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Trauma and loss: guidelines for providing mental health first aid to an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person (2008)

Author

Mental Health First Aid Australia

Publisher

Mental Health First Aid Australia

City

Melbourne

Type

Factsheet

Description

This set of guidelines consists of recommendations for providing mental health first aid to an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person who has experienced trauma or loss that has led to ongoing feelings of grief or distress. The guidelines are directed at members of the public who are encouraged to follow the recommendations until professional help is received.

The guidelines provide information on the following areas:

trauma and loss in Aboriginal people
what is meant by trauma
what is meant by loss
trauma and loss and Aboriginal mental health
immediate assistance after a traumatic event
assistance in the days and weeks after a traumatic event or loss
professional help
what else one can do.

The guidelines were developed based on information provided by expert clinicians and are are respectful of the cultural differences in understanding and treating mental illness.

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

When to use this resource

These guidelines should be used by members of the public who are providing help or support to an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person who has experienced trauma or loss that has led to ongoing feelings of grief or distress. The guidelines are recommendations only, and should not be used in the place of professional help.