Traditional Culture and the Wellbeing of Indigenous Australians

Question: Describe about the Traditional Culture and the Wellbeing of Indigenous Australians? Answer: In 2012, nearly two-third of indigenous people aged 18 and above reported depression cases, which was doubled in proportion of non-indigenous people. Almost all 97% of indigenous Victorian experienced racism in the last 12 months. In a non- random sampling survey, it was found that two third among sampled population experienced racism and going through psychological distress such as depression and anxiety (Australian government, 2013). Goals are set which plays important role in nursing practice while taking care of indigenous people. These goals are , nurses should develop a relationship which is based on trust and empathy, should encourage indigenous participants with positive thoughts, should promote positive healthy behaviour including medication and healthy lifestyle compliance which includes diet, exercise, no smoking and limit alcohol consumption, should engage indigenous participants in social and support network, should ensure effective collaboration with other service provider to develop effective working environment and relationship, and should promote activities for families and people with depression (Queensland government). Important consideration for nurses while conducting evaluations of indigenous programs whose purpose is to promote mental health and well-being. Emotional stability programs, cultural and healing programs can have effective in development of the mental and social well-being of indigenous participants, mental health care program can increase high level of satisfaction among indigenous participants, and small scale evaluating program among indigenous and non-indigenous participants, can improved communications between them (Australian government, 2013). Studies have been conducted to evaluate the effect of indigenous program, and it is found out that effectively participating in mental and social well-being program, indigenous people are positively benefitted. The social and emotional well-being program provides counselling to indigenous people suffering from depression. An evaluating program found out that, it provides counselling service to large no. of indigenous population affected by depression (Australian Institute of health and welfare, 2011). References: Dockery AM. (2011). Traditional culture and the wellbeing of Indigenous Australians: an analysis of the 2008 NATSISS. https://www.aihw.gov.au/closingthegap/ItemDetails.aspx?id=9457type=ac. Brave H. (2011). Historical Trauma among Indigenous Peoples of the Americas: Concepts, Research, and Clinical Considerations. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs. 43 (4), pp. 282290. Strategies and practices for promoting the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. (2013). Australian government. https://www.aihw.gov.au/uploadedFiles/ClosingTheGap/Content/Publications/2013/ctgc-rs19.pdf. Caring for a person experiencing Depression. https://www.health.qld.gov.au/mentalhealth/docs/depression.pdf. Australian Institute of health and welfare. (2011). The health and welfare of Australias Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people an overview. https://www.aihw.gov.au/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=10737418955.