Physical and Mental Health in Aboriginal Australian Communities

Throughout the ages Australia’s native foods supported a nutritious, balanced diet of protein and vegetables with adequate vitamins and minerals with little salt, sugar and fat. Life on the move kept people physically fit. In terms of “Mental Health,” traditional Aboriginal culture had a number of strong reinforcing factors. Aboriginal sense of self was seen in a collective sense, intimately connected to all aspects of life, community, spirituality, culture and country (Australian Aboriginal And 1 Torres Strait Islander Mental Health: An Overview).

Generationally, the gap to good physical and mental health within remote Aboriginal communities has declined. The average life expectancy of Aboriginal children in comparison to non Aboriginal

The health benefits to eating well and exercising is proven by their past cultural experiences (Australianmuseum.net.au). The current issues Indigenous Australians are now facing can be addressed by having access to education for both indigenous and non indigenous Australians to greater the chance of Indigenous Australians being accepted and obtaining an opportunity to be successful.

Building the skills and qualifications of Indigenous Australians is critical and many programs have a training component for staff in addition to building education and employment pathways for Indigenous people. Recognise and build on the strengths of Indigenous culture, community and family. Encompassing the physical, emotional, cultural and spiritual needs of the community as a

I am sad, angry, offended and I will show them my feelings by running off to physically hurt myself. Access to continual and accessible Mental Health services is one contributing factor that Indigenous Australians in remote communities face on a daily basis, treatment is some times a flight away to a major centre. which creates the feeling of isolation and distance from community, family and support. Early intervention for mental health problems including programs that build individual and community resilience and capacity as well as access to effective, culturally appropriate and well co ordinated services, with social inclusion is imperative for successful