Social and emotional wellbeing

The term social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB) is used by many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (First Nations) peoples to describe the social, emotional, spiritual and cultural wellbeing of a person [33834][27487]. SEWB can interact with and influence mental health, however as a concept, it offers a more holistic understanding of a person’s wellbeing that acknowledges social, cultural, political and historical contexts [27487]. As such, SEWB recognises that factors such as connection to family/kinship, community, culture and Country are interconnecting and central to wellbeing for First Nations peoples [27487][38676][38123].

SEWB also recognises that past events and policies have negatively impacted on First Nations peoples and their wellbeing [38123][43078], and therefore the strength-based and holistic nature of SEWB can provide a protective buffer against psychological distress [29074].

Factors identified as enhancing SEWB for First Nations peoples include maintaining connection to and caring for Country, spirituality, ancestry and kinship networks, as well as strong community governance and cultural continuity [29074]. Renewal of First Nations cultures and knowledge systems and the capacity for self-determination are being increasingly recognised as fundamental to healing and supporting SEWB [41496][50610].

Produced by the Queensland Mental Health Commission in partnership with the Healing Foundation, Leading healing our way: Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander healing strategy 2020-2040, expands on these factors by including priorities such as truth telling, eliminating racism and discrimination, and system reform to reduce trauma and support healing and wellbeing [47835].

Queensland Health’s Evolve Therapy Services have produced a set of social and emotional wellbeing cards designed to facilitate more meaningful conversations between mental health clinicians and their First Nations clients. The cards allow clinicians to better understand First Nations perspectives of SEWB to improve support for their clients and families [42246].

Other examples that support SEWB and mental health, include the Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council’s (QAIHC) resources and programs that support families whose lives are affected by problematic substance use and its impact on mental health. The Eyez on ice resource was developed in consultation with community, sector and clinical experts across Queensland with the aim of assisting health professionals and families to support people impacted by the use of crystal methamphetamine (ice), by providing strategies to reduce harm and increase safety for families [45017].

In partnership with Apunipima Cape York Health Council, QAIHC has also re-contextualised Queensland’s Breakthrough for Families program, to develop the Breakthrough Our Way program for First Nations families. Breakthrough Our Way provides voluntary information sessions for families, significant others and the broader community whose lives are affected by ice and other drugs.