2013
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet (2013)
Summary of Australian Indigenous health, 2012.
Perth, WA: Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet
Axleby-Blake T, Bilney P, Elliot P, Evans C, Fitz J, Graham S, Herbert P, Kassman-Reid H, Mills R, Mundy D, Naden M, Peters R, Richie T, Moller J, Malin M (2013)
A pilot investigation into Aboriginal people’s understandings of depression and anxiety.
Advances in Mental Health; 11(3):
Closing the Gap Clearinghouse (2013)
Strategies and practices for promoting the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Canberra: Closing the Gap Clearinghouse
This paper provides information on programs developed to promote social and emotional wellbeing and prevent mental illness among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia. The paper identifies national initiatives, Indigenous specific programs, and non-Indigenous specific programs and reports on the efficacy of these programs in enhancing the mental health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. A summary of the findings is also provided highlighting the elements of effective and ineffective SEWB programs, and the areas that require further investigation.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
De Bortoli L, Coles J, Dolan M (2013)
Maternal infanticide in Australia: mental disturbance during the postpartum period.
Psychiatry, Psychology and Law; 20(2): 301-311
Fels A (2013)
The Winston Rickards memorial oration. Child and adolescent mental health.
Melbourne: National Mental Health Commission
Ferdinand A, Paradies Y, Kelaher M (2013)
Mental health impacts of racial discrimination in Victorian Aboriginal communities: the Localities Embracing and Accepting Diversity (LEAD) experiences of racism survey.
Melbourne: Lowitja Institute
Flatau P, Conroy E, Thielking M, Clear A, Hall S, Alicia Bauskis A, Farrugia M (2013)
How integrated are homelessness, mental health and drug and alcohol services in Australia?.
Melbourne: Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute
Forsythe L (2013)
Measuring mental health in criminology research: lessons from the Drug Use Monitoring in Australia program.
Canberra, ACT: Australian Institute of Criminology
Grogan P, Colvin K, Rose J, Morstyn L, Atkins C (2013)
Building the scaffolding: strengthening support for young people in Victoria.
Melbourne: Victorian Council of Social Service
Haswell MR, Wheeler T, Wargent R, Brownlie A, Tulip F, Baird M, Gardiner L, Pulver LJ (2013)
Validation and enhancement of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander psychiatric hospitalisation statistics through an Indigenous Mental Health Worker register.
Rural and Remote Health; 12: 2002
Retrieved 4 February 2013 from http://www.rrh.org.au/articles/showarticlenew.asp?ArticleID=2002
Holland C, Dudgeon P, Milroy H (2013)
The mental health and social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, families and communities.
Canberra: National Mental Health Commission
This comprehensive paper provides great insight into the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It builds on the information contained in A contributing life: the 2012 national report on mental health and suicide prevention by exploring more broadly the story of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the multitude of factors that impact on the mental health and wellbeing of this population. The paper is presented in three parts, with Part 1 providing an overview of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' mental health and social and emotional wellbeing. Part 2 reports on the unmet need for social and emotional wellbeing and mental health services and programs, and Part 3 focuses on national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and mental health policy.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
Isaacs AN, Maybery D, Gruis H (2013)
Help seeking by Aboriginal men who are mentally unwell: a pilot study.
Early Intervention in Psychiatry; Early View(http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/eip.12015):
MacRae A, Thomson N, Anomie, Burns J, Catto M, Gray C, Levitan L, McLoughlin N, Potter C, Ride K, Stumpers S, Trzesinski A, Urquhart B (2013)
Overview of Australian Indigenous health status, 2012.
Perth, WA: Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet
This report provides recent information on:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations
- the context of Indigenous health
- various measures of population health status
- selected health conditions
- health risk and protective factors.
This Overview draws on statistics and other published and unpublished materials to provide up-to-date, detailed information about the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in 2012. It highlights a number of improvements in certain aspects of Indigenous health, but underlines that ongoing work is needed to 'close the gap' in health status between Indigenous and other Australians.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
Moore E, Indig D, Haysom L (2013)
Traumatic brain injury, mental health, substance use, and offending among incarcerated young people.
Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation; Published Ahead-of-Print(http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/HTR.0b013e31828f9876):
Price M, Dalgliesh J (2013)
Help-seeking among Indigenous Australian adolescents.
Youth Studies Australia; 32(1): 10-18
Robertson S, Blanchard M, Coughlan F, Robertson A (2013)
How did we score? Engaging young people in the development of a national report card on mental health and suicide prevention.
Abbostsford, Victoria: Young and Well Cooperative Research Centre
Roche AM, Duraisingam V, Trifonoff A, Battams S, Freeman T, Tovell A, Weetra D, Bates N (2013)
Sharing stories: Indigenous alcohol and other drug workers' well-being, stress and burnout.
Drug and Alcohol Review; Early-view(http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/dar.12053):
Roche AM, Duraisingam V, Trifonoff A, Tovell A (2013)
The health and well-being of Indigenous drug and alcohol workers: results from a national Australian survey.
Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment; 44(1): 17–26
Sambrano R, Cox L (2013)
‘I sang Amazing Grace for about 3 hours that day’: Understanding Indigenous Australians’ experience of seclusion.
International Journal of Mental Health Nursing; Early View(http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/inm.12015):
Skinner TC, Blick J, Coffin J, Dudgeon P, Forrest S, Morrison D (2013)
Comparative validation of self-report measures of negative attitudes towards Aboriginal Australians and Torres Strait Islanders.
Rural and Remote Health; 13: 1959
Retrieved 9 April 2013 from http://www.rrh.org.au/articles/showarticlenew.asp?ArticleID=1959
Steering Committee for the Review of Government Service Provision (2013)
Report on government services 2013.
Melbourne: Productivity Commission
Steering Committee for the Review of Government Service Provision (2013)
Report on government services 2013: Indigenous compendium.
Canberra: Productivity Commission
This publication draws on the Report on government services 2013 to present data specific to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population. It reports on the delivery of mainstream services to Indigenous people including services for:
- childcare, education and training
- justice
- emergency management
- health
- community services
- housing and homelessness.
Performance reporting focuses on the degree to which the objective for a service is met. The report details the objective (outcomes) for each service stated and the performance indicators measuring the achievement of each objective.
Improvements in reporting by Indigenous status has allowed for detailed reporting for Indigenous children enrolled and attending preschool and elapsed times for aged care services to Indigenous people.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
Stewart J, Allan J (2013)
Building relationships with Aboriginal people: a cultural mapping toolbox.
Australian Social Work; 66(1): 118-129
Taylor J (2013)
Practical ways to overcome isolation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander carers: a literature review.
Canberra: Carers Australia
The purpose of this report was to address the apparent lack of information pertaining to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander carers. In reviewing Australian and international literature, this report sought to elucidate the caregiving experience of unpaid Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander carers - those providing assistance to a family member or friend with a disability, mental illness, chronic condition, terminal illness, an alcohol or other drug issue, or who are frail aged. This report provides information specific to the lived experience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander carers, and the barriers such carers encounter in accessing services. The report also identifies ways to better enable support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander carers.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
2012
Bennett B, Green S, Gilbert S, Bessarab B, eds. (2012)
Our voices : Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander social work.
South Yarra, Vic: Palgrave Macmillan
Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing (2012)
Ten year roadmap for national mental health reform : Draft #4 [draft for consultation].
Canberra: Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet (2012)
Summary of Australian Indigenous health, 2011.
Perth, WA: Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2012)
Australia's health 2012.
Canberra: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2012)
Mental health services in brief.
Canberra: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2012)
The mental health of prison entrants in Australia: 2010.
Canberra: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
Berry SL, Crowe TP, Deane FP, Billingham M, Bhagerutty Y (2012)
Growth and empowerment for Indigenous Australians in substance abuse treatment.
International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction; 10(6): 970-983
Butler C (2012)
Indigenous adolescent mental health: what is the role of primary health care?.
RESEARCH ROUNDup; June 2012(24): 1-2
Cunningham J, Paradies YC (2012)
Socio-demographic factors and psychological distress in Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australian adults aged 18-64 years: analysis of national survey data.
BMC Public Health; 12: 95
Retrieved 1 February 2012 from http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-12-95
Department of Families Housing Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (2012)
Final evaluation of youth in communities for the department of families, housing, community services and Indigenous affairs: final report.
Canberra: Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs
Edward B Heffernan, Andersen KC, Dev A, Kinner S (2012)
Prevalence of mental illness among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Queensland prisons.
Medical Journal of Australia; 197(1): 37-41
Forsythe L, Gaffney A (2012)
Mental disorder prevalence at the gateway to the criminal justice system.
Canberra: Australian Institute of Criminology
Green AC, Hunt C, Stain HJ (2012)
The delay between symptom onset and seeking professional treatment for anxiety and depressive disorders in a rural Australian sample.
Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology; 47(9): 1475-1487
Griffin C, Hinton R, Nagel T (2012)
Yarning about Indigenous mental health: translation of a recovery paradigm to practice.
Advances in Mental Health; 10(3): 1
Harris JB, Hill B, Kiernan M (2012)
A model for increasing Indigenous participation in psychology degrees.
Australian Psychologist; 47(3):
Isaacs AN, Maybery D, Gruis H (2012)
Mental health services for Aboriginal men: mismatches and solutions.
International Journal of Mental Health Nursing; 21(5): 400–408
Jorm AF, Bourchier SJ, Cvetkovski S, Stewart G (2012)
Mental health of Indigenous Australians: a review of findings from community surveys.
Medical Journal of Australia; 196(2): 118-121
Law Report (2012)
Indefinite detention and mental impairment in NT [podcast].
: Radio National
This podcast was produced by the Law Report program on Radio National. The topic of the podcast is the criminal justice situation in the Northern Territory, in particular custodial supervision orders, legislation which allows some offenders who have an intellectual or mental impairment to be detained indefinitely in prisons. Mark O'Reilly, the principal legal officer at the Central Australian Aboriginal Legal Aid Service, is interviewed in this podcast.
Abstract adapted from Radio National
Macklin J (2012)
Continuing our efforts to close the gap: Ministerial statements 2012-13.
Canberra: Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs
McKenna T, Woods DB (2012)
Using psychotherapeutic arts to decolonise counselling for Indigenous peoples.
Asia Pacific Journal of Counselling and Psychotherapy; 3(1): 29-40
Mental Health Council of Australia (2012)
Recognition and respect: mental health carers report 2012.
Deakin, ACT: Mental Health Council of Australia
This report provides insight into the lived experience of people who care for someone with a mental illness. It documents the findings of a survey that was distributed to mental health carers in 2011-2012 by the Mental Health Council of Australia. The survey findings have been categorised according to similarity and include: the need to recognise and respect the important contribution that carers make to the lives of people with mental illness; the carers' perspective on the services and support available to them; the carers' views of the services and support available to consumers; and the experiences of young carers, culturally and linguistically diverse carers, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander carers. Detailed information is provided for each of the major findings, with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander carer section focusing on: cultural issues; services and support for Aboriginal carers; financial burdens; respite services; housing; stigma and discrimination; services and support for Aboriginal consumers; and workforce issues.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
Nadew GT (2012)
Exposure to traumatic events, prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder and alcohol abuse in Aboriginal communities.
Rural and Remote Health; 12: 1667
Retrieved 12 October 2012 from http://www.rrh.org.au/articles/showarticlenew.asp?ArticleID=1667
National Mental Health Commission (2012)
A contributing life: the 2012 national report card on mental health and suicide prevention.
Sydney: National Mental Health Commission
This report is the first national report card into mental health and suicide prevention in Australia. It is the product of an independent review of mental health, which involved extensive consultations with, and contributions from, people with a lived experience of mental health issues, their family and supporters, and those working in the field in varying capacities. The report card is divided into chapters, with each chapter focusing on a particular issue, such as the emotional and social wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The chapters include information, assessment, and commentary on how the nation is faring in relation to each issue, the progress made, and the improvements required. Incorporated into the report card are the personal stories of those affected by mental health difficulties to highlight the current circumstances of people living with mental health difficulties. The report card culminates in 10 recommendations which point to areas where real action is needed to ensure those with mental health difficulties live a contributing life.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
National Mental Health Commission (2012)
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples overcoming cycles of disadvantage for a contributing life.
In: A contributing life: the 2012 national report card on mental health and suicide prevention. Sydney: National Mental Health Commission: 19-26
This section of the A contributing life report provides information on the mental health, and the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This section of the report includes data, the personal stories of two Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people affected by mental health difficulties, and the fictional story of a young boy that details his journey from early life to adulthood. It acknowledges the diversity that exists within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population while also providing insight into some of the mental health challenges encountered by Indigenous peoples, and the improvements needed to service delivery. This report section forms part of a larger document that is the first national report card into mental health and suicide prevention in Australia. The report card is the product of an independent review of mental health, which involved extensive consultations with, and contributions from, people with a lived experience of mental health issues, their family and supporters, and those working in the field in varying capacities. Included in the report card are sections dedicated to selected issues within the mental health field, as well as 10 recommendations which point to areas where real action is needed to ensure those with mental health difficulties live a contributing life.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
New South Wales Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence (2012)
The health of Aboriginal people of NSW: report of the Chief Health Officer 2012.
Sydney: New South Wales Ministry of Health
New South Wales Law Reform Commission (2012)
People with cognitive and mental health impairments in the criminal justice system: diversion.
Sydney: New South Wales Law Reform Commission
Paradies YC, Cunningham J (2012)
The DRUID study: racism and self-assessed health status in an Indigenous population.
BMC Public Health; 12: 131
Retrieved 14 February 2012 from http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2458/12/131
Parker RM (2012)
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health: paradise lost? [editorial].
Medical Journal of Australia; 196(2): 89-90
Prandl KJ, Rooney R, Bishop BJ (2012)
Mental health of Australian Aboriginal women during pregnancy: identifying the gaps.
Archives of Womens Mental Health; 15(3): 149-154
Prentice K, Signal T, Taylor N (2012)
What's the buzz?: Bumblebees - a therapeutic preschool for abused children.
Sexual Abuse in Australia and New Zealand; 4(1): 11-21
Priest N, Baxter J, Hayes L (2012)
Social and emotional outcomes of Australian children from Indigenous and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health; 36(2): 183–190
Queensland Health (2012)
The health of Queenslanders 2012: advancing good health. Fourth report of the Chief Health Officer Queensland.
Brisbane: Queensland Health
Rinehart NE, Borninkhof J (2012)
Exploring primary health care needs, welfare requirements and service use of people experiencing homelessness within Melbourne’s CBD and inner suburbs.
Canberra: Australian Homelessness Clearinghouse
Robinson G, Tyler W, Jones Y, Silburn S, Zubrick SR (2012)
Context, diversity and engagement: early intervention with Australian Aboriginal families in urban and remote contexts.
Children & Society; 26(5): 343–355
Rosenberg S (2012)
International benchmarking of Australia’s mental health performance – state of play review: project report.
Sydney: National Mental Health Commission
Shepherd CCJ, Li J, Mitrou F, Zubrick SR (2012)
Socioeconomic disparities in the mental health of Indigenous children in Western Australia.
BMC Public Health; 12: 756
Retrieved 10 September 2012 from http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-12-756
Stathis SL, Doolan I, Letters P, Arnett A, Cory S, Quinlan L (2012)
Use of the Westerman Aboriginal Symptoms Checklist - Youth (WASC-Y) to screen for mental health problems in Indigenous youth in custody.
Advances in Mental Health; 10(3): 1
Steering Committee for the Review of Government Service Provision (2012)
Report on government services 2012.
Melbourne: Productivity Commission
Steering Committee for the Review of Government Service Provision (2012)
Report on government services 2012: Indigenous compendium.
Canberra: Productivity Commission
This report draws on the Report on government services 2012 to present data specific to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population. It reports on the delivery of mainstream services to Indigenous people including services for:
- early childhood, education and training
- justice
- emergency management
- health
- community services
- housing and homelessness.
Performance reporting focuses on the degree to which objective for a service is met. The report details the objective (outcomes) for each services stated and the performance indicators measuring the achievement of each objective.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
Sutton K, Maybery D, Moore T (2012)
Bringing them home: a Gippsland mental health workforce recruitment strategy.
Australian Health Review; 36(1): 79-82
Taylor AW, Marin T, Avery J, Grande D (2012)
South Australian Aboriginal health survey.
Adelaide: South Australian Population Research and Outcome Studies
This report provides information on chronic diseases among Indigenous people in South Australia, including the social determinants of health and some risk and protective factors. It includes information on:
- kidney disease
- hearing problems
- mental health
- asthma
- high blood pressure.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
Thomson N, MacRae A, Brankovich J, Burns J, Catto M, Gray C, Levitan L, Maling C, Potter C, Ride K, Stumpers S, Urquhart B (2012)
Overview of Australian Indigenous health status, 2011.
Perth, WA: Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet
Trauer T, Nagel T (2012)
Outcome measurement in adult Indigenous mental health consumers.
Advances in Mental Health; 11(1): 106-116
VicHealth (2012)
Mental health impacts of racial discrimination in Victorian Aboriginal communities: experiences of racism survey: a summary.
Melbourne: VicHealth
Vivian A, Pries T (2012)
Factors affecting crime rates in Indigenous communities in NSW: Kempsey and Gunnedah.
Sydney: Jumbunna Indigenous House of Learning, University of Technology
This report provides details of qualitative research undertaken to explore Indigenous offending in the communities of Kempsey and Gunnedah in New South Wales. For each community, it provides details about:
- geography, demographics and history
- community dynamics, leadership and governance
- socioeconomic profile and economic participation
- crime (statistics and perceptions)
- factors contributing to adult and youth crime
- crime prevention and responses to the crime rate
- criminal justice issues
- services and policies relating to justice.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
2011
Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council (2011)
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health performance framework: 2010 report.
Canberra: Office for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health, Department of Health and Ageing
This is the third report developed under the auspice of the Australian Health Ministers' Advisory Council to measure progress against the National strategic framework for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health as well as the more recent measures introduced under Closing the gap national partnerships.
The performance framework reports on the three tiers of health:
- health status and outcomes: this includes measures of prevalence of disease or injury, human function, life expectancy and wellbeing
- measures of the health determinants: this includes socioeconomic status, environmental factors and health behaviours
- health system performance: this includes effectiveness, responsiveness, accessibility and sustainability.
Major findings of the report include:
- a significant decline in Indigenous deaths due to avoidable causes
- narrowing of the mortality gap
- reduction in infant mortality
- chronic diseases are a continuing concern, contributing to two thirds of the health gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians
- there were slight reductions in literacy and numeracy gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students
- risky behaviours, such as smoking and lack of physical activity, were continuing concerns among Indigenous people
- access to, and utilisation of medical services is less than expected given higher levels of illness
- access to medical services is more difficult in remote than non-remote areas.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2011)
Mental health services - in brief 2011.
Canberra: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2011)
The health and welfare of Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: an overview 2011.
Canberra: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
This overview is a summary of Indigenous health and welfare at the national level. Topics covered include:
- demographic characteristics
- determinants of health and welfare: socioeconomic factors, housing, community capacity, behavioural factors, and social and emotional wellbeing
- health and functioning: disability, community functioning, and health conditions
- mortality and life expectancy of mothers and babies, children, young people and older people
- health care and support services, including health and welfare expenditure.
The report compares Indigenous statistics to the non-Indigenous statistics on the same health and welfare issues and provides time series data where available. It relates the picture of Indigenous health and welfare to the goals set by the Council of Australian Governments and the raft of measures under Closing the gap agreement aimed at reducing the health gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. For the first time, the report looks at the impact of chronic diseases on the life expectancy gap, currently estimated to be 12 years for men and 10 years for women. It shows that about 80% of the mortality gap can be attributed to chronic diseases, most significantly heart diseases (22%), diabetes (12%) and liver diseases (11%).
The report is accompanied by nine online papers on specific topics, available from the Indigenous observatory: Indigenous life expectancy and mortality, child safety, eye health, disability, access to health services, chronic disease and older people.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
Butler T, Indig D, Allnutt S, Mamoon H (2011)
Co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorder among Australian prisoners.
Drug and Alcohol Review; 30(March): 188-194
Cappo D, McGorry P, Hickie I, Rosenberg S, Moran J, Hamilton M (2011)
Including, connecting, contributing: a blueprint to transform mental health and social participation in Australia.
Sydney: Brain and Mind Research Institute
Child and Adolescent Community Health (2011)
Health and wellbeing profile of young Western Australians.
Perth: Department of Health, Western Australia
Doyle K (2011)
Modes of colonisation and patterns of contemporary mental health: towards an understanding of Canadian Aboriginal, Australian Aboriginal and Maori peoples.
Aboriginal and Islander Health Worker Journal; 35(1): 20-23
Hopkins KD, Taylor CL, D’Antoine H, Zubrick SR (2011)
Predictors of resilient psychosocial functioning in Western Australian Aboriginal young people exposed to high family-level risk.
In: Ungar M, ed. . New York: Springer: 425-440
Jamieson LM, Paradies YC, Gunthorpe W, Cairney SJ, Sayers SM (2011)
Oral health and social and emotional well-being in a birth cohort of Aboriginal Australian young adults.
BMC Public Health; 11: 656
Retrieved 19 August 2011 from http://www.biomedcentral.com/content/pdf/1471-2458-11-656.pdf
Jones R, Day A (2011)
Mental health, criminal justice and culture: some ways forward?.
Australasian Psychiatry; 19(4): 325-330
Kelly BJ, Lewin TJ, Stain HJ, Coleman C, Fitzgerald M, Perkins D, Carr VJ, Fragar L, Fuller J, Lyle D, Beard JR (2011)
Determinants of mental health and well-being within rural and remote communities.
Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology; 46(12): 1331-1342
Kuipers K, McIntosh K, Paluch T, Oke L (2011)
Caring for country was associated with positive health outcomes for Indigenous people living in remote areas of Northern Australia.
Australian Occupational Therapy Journal; 58(1): 56-57
Loban H (2011)
Indigenous consumers, financial stress and emotional wellbeing.
Aboriginal and Islander Health Worker Journal; 35(6): 14-16
Productivity Commission (2011)
Report on government services 2011.
Melbourne: Productivity Commission
Schneider K, Richters R, Butler T, Yap L, Richards A, Grant L, Smith AMA, Donovan B (2011)
Psychological distress and experience of sexual and physical assault among Australian prisoners.
Criminal Behaviour and Mental Health; 21(5): 333-349
Spurgeon D (2011)
Indigenous mental health nursing in remote settings.
In: Edward K, Munro I, Robins A, Welch A, eds. Mental health nursing : dimensions of praxis. South Melbourne, Vic: Oxford University Press: 415-426
Steering Committee for the Review of Government Service Provision (2011)
Overcoming Indigenous disadvantage: key indicators 2011.
Canberra: Productivity Commission, Australia
This report is the fifth in a series of reports on overcoming Indigenous disadvantage as commissioned by the heads of government in 2002. It has been produced in consultation with Indigenous peoples, governments, academics and service providers. The report measures the progress of the six targets set by the Council of Australian Governments Closing the gap strategy, together with other identified significant indicators. The report has three main sections:
- an overview of the key messages
- the main report which provides the evidence base for the framework for the report and detailed information on the current outcomes and those interventions and policies that have enhanced those outcomes
- tables expanding on the data presented in the report.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
Steering Committee for the Review of Government Service Provision (2011)
Overcoming Indigenous disadvantage: key indicators 2011 overview.
Canberra: Productivity Commission, Australia
Victorian Department of Health (2011)
The health and wellbeing of Aboriginal Victorians: Victorian population health survey 2008 supplementary report.
Melbourne: Victorian Department of Health
West R, Usher K (2011)
The mental health of Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
In: Edward K, Munro I, Robins A, Welch A, eds. Mental health nursing : dimensions of praxis. South Melbourne, Vic: Oxford University Press: 397-408
Western Australian Country Health Service (2011)
Mental health strategic intent: strategic framework for service planning to 2020.
Perth, WA: Western Australian Department of Health
2010
beyondblue, ed. (2010)
Research: targeted research in depression, anxiety and related disorders 2007-2010.
Canberra: beyondblue
Australian Bureau of Statistics (2010)
The health and welfare of Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Oct 2010.
Canberra: Australian Bureau of Statistics
The information included in this report is taken from a variety of sources. This report highlights that Aboriginal and Torres Strait people make up 2.5% of the Australian population and is young compared to the rest of the population. The key findings include:
- The estimated resident population in 2006 was 517,000 people.
- The median age for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people was 21.0 years compared to 37.0 years for the non-Indigenous population.
- 68% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people reside in rural and remote locations and 32% reside in urban locations.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have a lower life expectancy than non-Indigenous Australians. From 2005-2007 the gap was 11.5 years for males and 9.7 years for females.
- Life expectancy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males at birth is estimated to be 67.2 years and for females is 72.9 years.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander language and culture is strong.
- Socio-economic outcomes continute to improve; 22% completed year twelve in 2008.
- More people completed non-school qualifications; 40% of people aged 25-64 years in 2008, compared to 32% in 2002.
- The unemployment rate fell from 23% in 2002 to 17% in 2008, but remains five times higher than the rate for non-Indigenous unemployment which was 5% in 2008.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2010)
Australia's health 2010: the twelfth biennial report of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
Canberra: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
Australia's health 2010 was released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare as the twelfth edition of its biennial national health report. The report shows that Australia is one of the healthiest nations in the world, with most Australians generally have good health and access to a range of good health care services, but Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples continue to have much poorer health than the general population.
Health information about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is included in various sections of the report but particularly in chapter 5.1 which compiles information about demographic profiles, health status, disability rates and service use. The section highlights that Indigenous Australians are continuing to die at much younger ages than non-Indigenous Australians. Indigenous Australians also continue to have a greater disease burden, higher rates of disability and a lower quality of life than other Australians. The section concludes with information on behaviours and health risk factors that shape the health status of Indigenous peoples such as tobacco use, alcohol misuse, illicit drug use, and housing conditions.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2010)
Mental health services in Australia 2007–08.
Canberra: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2010)
The health of Australia's prisoners 2009.
Canberra: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
Bain E, Chur-Hansen A (2010)
'Why has this patient presented in this manner at this time in the context of his or her life?'.
Aboriginal and Islander Health Worker Journal; 34(2): 17-20
Bromfield L, Lamont A, Parker R, Horsfall B (2010)
Issues for the safety and wellbeing of children in families with multiple and complex problems: the co-occurrence of domestic violence, parental substance misuse, and mental health problems.
Melbourne: Australian Institute of Family Studies
Department of Health and Ageing (2010)
National mental health report 2010: summary of 15 Years of reform in Australia’s mental health services under the National Mental Health Strategy 1993-2008.
Canberra: Department of Health and Ageing, Australia
Dietsch E, Martin T, Shackleton P, Davies C, McLeod M, Alston M (2010)
Australian Aboriginal kinship: a means to enhance maternal well-being.
Women and Birth; 24(2): 58-64
Dingwall KM, Cairney S (2010)
Detecting psychological symptoms related to substance use among Indigenous Australians.
Drug and Alcohol Review; 30(1): 33-39
Dingwall KM, Cairney S (2010)
Psychological and cognitive assessment of Indigenous Australians.
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry; 44(1): 20-30
This article provides an evaluation of the psychological and cognitive assessments considered suitable for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The article presents a review of various psychological, mental health, social and emotional wellbeing, and cognitive assessments that have been used in, or developed for, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
Eckermann A-K, Dowd T, Chong E, Nixon L, Gray R, Johnson SM (2010)
Binan Goonj : bridging cultures in Aboriginal health.
3rd Edition ed. Sydney: Churchill Livingstone
Ellis IK, Philip T (2010)
Improving the skills of rural and remote generalists to manage mental health emergencies.
Rural and Remote Health; 10: 1503
Retrieved from http://www.rrh.org.au/publishedarticles/article_print_1503.pdf
Flint PJ (2010)
Emotional and behavioural problems in Indigenous adults with intellectual disability.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) thesis, Monash University: Melbourne
Hocking S, Draper G, Somerford P, XiaoJ, Weeramanthri T (2010)
The Western Australian Chief Health Officer’s report 2010.
Perth, WA: Western Australian Department of Health
Isaacs AN, Pyett P, Oakley-Browne MA, Gruis H, Waples-Crowe P (2010)
Barriers and facilitators to the utilization of adult mental health services by Australia's Indigenous people: seeking a way forward.
International Journal of Mental Health Nursing; 19(2): 75-82
Janca A (2010)
Development and evaluation of an Aboriginal mental health screening instrument.
European Psychiatry; 25(Supplement 1 (P01-329)): 542
This article describes the development of an Aboriginal mental health screening instrument. The research objectives, methods of development, and results are discussed. The research results include the production of a culturally appropriate instrument for screening and assessing mental health problems in the Aboriginal population.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
Laing L, Toivonen C, Irwin J, Napier L (2010)
“They never asked me anything about that”: the stories of women who experience domestic violence and mental health concerns/illness.
Sydney: University of Sydney
Mental Health Standing Committee (2010)
Fourth national mental health plan: first progress report of implementation activity: January-December 2010.
Canberra: Australian Department of Health and Ageing
Moore T, Sutton K, Maybery D (2010)
Rural mental health workforce difficulties: a management perspective.
Rural and Remote Health; (10): 1519
Retrieved from http://www.rrh.org.au/publishedarticles/article_print_1519.pdf
Nagel TM, Thompson C (2010)
The central role of Aboriginal families in motivational counselling: family support and family ‘humbug’.
Australian Indigenous HealthBulletin; 10(1):
Parker R (2010)
Australia's Aboriginal population and mental health.
Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease; 198(1): 3-7
Purdie N, Dudgeon P, Walker R, eds. (2010)
Working together: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health and wellbeing principles and practice.
Canberra: Department of Health and Ageing
This book was developed as an information source for health professionals working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with social and emotional wellbeing issues. The book contains comprehensive, culturally appropriate information to educate and assist health professionals who work with Indigenous clients.
The book is divided into four parts:
- history and contexts
- issues of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health and wellbeing
- mental health practice
- working with specific groups - models, programs, and services.
Many of the book chapters were authored by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and Indigenous artwork features in various parts of the book.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
SA Health (2010)
Summary report: statewide Aboriginal mental health consultation.
Adelaide: Government of South Australia
Sawyer MG, Guidolin M, Schulz K, McGinnes B, Baghurst P, Zubrick SR (2010)
Mental health problems among young people on remand: has anything changed since 1989?.
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health; 34(6): 594–597
Sawyer MG, Guidolin M, Schulz KL, McGinnes B, Zubrick SR, Baghurst PA (2010)
The mental health and wellbeing of adolescents on remand in Australia.
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry; 44(6): 551-559
Sevar K (2010)
Working with remote Indigenous communities in Far North Queensland: an experiential narrative.
Australasian Psychiatry; 18(4): 340-352
Smith N, Trimboli L (2010)
Comorbid substance and non-substance mental health disorders and re-offending among NSW prisoners.
Crime and Justice Bulletin; 140(May 2010): 1-16
South Australian Department of Health (2010)
Adult community mental health services: model of care.
Adelaide: South Australian Department of Health
The Adult community mental health services: model of care was developed as part of the need to review policy and advise on the redesign and improvement of South Australia's mental health system.
The model of care describes the service level principles and processes that inform, underpin, and direct the provision of community mental health services to adults aged 18-64 years across the Adelaide metropolitan health regions. The document is not Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander specific but does include information on Indigenous mental health.
The Adult community mental health services: model of care is intended for use in conjunction with the South Australian mental health and wellbeing policy 2010-2015 and may be of use as a reference for mental health workers.
Abstract adapted from South Australian Department of Health
South Australian Mental Health Policy Unit (2010)
South Australia's mental health and wellbeing policy 2010-2015.
Adelaide: South Australian Department of Health
Statewide Service Strategy Division (2010)
Aboriginal health care plan 2010-2016.
Adelaide: Department of Health, South Australia
The Aboriginal health care plan 2010-2016 has been developed by SA Health as part of a significant health reform led by the South Australian Government. It aims to:
- outline ways to reduce ill health among South Australian Aboriginal people
- promote cultural responsiveness in the health system
- promote Aboriginal community health and wellbeing
Aiming for an achievement of these overarching goals, the plan:
- describes the demographic and major health issues for Aboriginal South Australians and variations across the state
- outlines a model comprising six key areas: supporting good health; stronger primary health care; better care for those with high needs; an integrated and collaborative approach to the planning and delivery of services and programs, a focus on priorities; enablers for action
- identifies six priorities for action based on the burden of disease and population profile
- sets a framework for the regional Aboriginal health improvement plans
- identifies key next steps and governance arrangements
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
Taylor J, Jones RM, O'Reilly P, Oldfield W, Blackburn A (2010)
The Station Community Mental Health Centre Inc: nurturing and empowering.
Rural and Remote Health; (10): 1411
Retrieved from http://www.rrh.org.au/publishedarticles/article_print_1411.pdf
Thomas A, Cairney S, Gunthorpe W, Paradies Y, Sayers S (2010)
Strong Souls: development and validation of a culturally appropriate tool for assessment of social and emotional well-being in Indigenous youth.
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry; 44(1): 40-48
This article reports on a study undertaken by Menzies School of Health Research that aimed to develop and validate a culturally appropriate tool for assessing social and emotional wellbeing in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth. The article includes information on the methods involved and the results of the study, and concludes that the instrument is a culturally appropriate and effective tool for assessing social and emotional wellbeing.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
Thomson N, MacRae A, Burns J, Catto M, Debuyst O, Krom I, Midford R, Potter C, Ride K, Stumpers S, Urquhart B (2010)
Summary of Australian Indigenous health, 2010.
Perth, WA: Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet
Townsend M, Weerasuriya R (2010)
Beyond blue to green: the benefits of contact with nature for mental health and well-being.
Melbourne: Beyond Blue Limited
Wand APF, Eades SJ, Corr MJ (2010)
Considering culture in the psychiatric assessment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Advances in Mental Health; 9(1): 36-48
Ward R, Gorman D (2010)
Racism, discrimination and health services to Aboriginal people in south west Queensland.
Aboriginal and Islander Health Worker Journal; 34(6): 3-5
Westerman T (2010)
Engaging Australian Aboriginal youth in mental health services.
Australian Psychologist; 45(3): 212-222
Western Australian Mental Health Commission (2010)
Mental Health 2020: making it personal and everybody’s business.
Perth, WA: Western Australian Mental Health Commission
Williamson A, Redman S, Dadds M, Daniels J, D ’ Este C, Raphael B, Eades S, Skinner T (2010)
Acceptability of an emotional and behavioural screening tool for children in Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services in urban NSW.
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry; 44(10): 894–900
Williamson AB, Raphael B, Redman S, Daniels J, Eades SJ, Mayers N (2010)
Emerging themes in Aboriginal child and adolescent mental health: findings from a qualitative study in Sydney, New South Wales.
Medical Journal of Australia; 192(10): 603-605
2009
Andy B (2009)
Indigenous dual diagnosis project.
DrugInfo Newsletter; 7(3): 7
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet (2009)
Summary of Australian Indigenous health, 2009.
Perth, WA: Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet
Australian Indigenous Psychologists Association (2009)
Submission to the External Reference Group of the ‘Towards a National Primary Health Care Strategy’ discussion paper.
Melbourne: Australian Indigenous Psychologists Association
Australian Institute for Primary Care (2009)
Comorbidity treatment service model evaluation: final report August 2009.
Melbourne: Department of Health and Ageing, Australia
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2009)
Measuring the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Canberra: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
This report provides a picture of the social and emotional wellbeing of Indigenous Australians, using data from the 2004-05 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey (NATSIHS) and a range of administrative datasets. An interim module, developed to measure social and emotional wellbeing in the 2004-05 NATSIHS, covered the areas of psychological distress, impact of psychological distress, positive wellbeing, anger, life stressors, discrimination, cultural identification and removal from natural family. This reports assesses the use of the NATSIHS module and makes recommendations to improve the module and other measures of Indigenous social and emotional wellbeing.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2009)
Mental health services in Australia 2006–07.
Canberra: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
Berry HL (2009)
Social capital and mental health among Indigenous Australians, New Australians and Other Australians living in a coastal region.
Australian e-Journal for the Advancement of Mental Health; 8(2): 142-154
Berry SL, Crowe TP (2009)
A review of engagement of Indigenous Australians within mental health and substance abuse services.
Australian e-Journal for the Advancement of Mental Health; 8(1):
Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Queensland (2009)
Key directions for a social, emotional, cultural and spiritual wellbeing population health framework for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians in Queensland.
Cairns, Qld: Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health Queensland
This report aims to inform policy, program development and practice regarding key directions for the development of a social, emotional, cultural and spiritual wellbeing framework relevant to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians in Queensland. The report provides a rationale for focusing on social, emotional, cultural and spiritual wellbeing (SESWB) as a way to promote Indigenous health and wellbeing and reduce Indigenous disadvantage.
Three key directions for future investment are described: build evidence, enhance capacity and develop workforce. The report sets out a rationale, examples of current initiatives, and recommended actions for each key direction.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
Department of Health and Ageing (2009)
National mental health policy 2008.
Canberra: Commonwealth of Australia
Dudgeon P (2009)
Close the Gap: psychology.
Medical Journal of Australia; 190(10): 546
Duke M, Ewen S (2009)
Implementation of Indigenous mental health training in Victoria.
Australasian Psychiatry; 17(3): 228-232
Duke M, Ewen S (2009)
Social and emotional wellbeing training of psychiatrists in Victoria: preliminary communication.
Australasian Psychiatry; 17(S1): S100 - S103
Dyer G, Hunter E (2009)
Creative Recovery: art for mental health's sake.
Australasian Psychiatry; 17(S1): S146 - S150
Edwards R, Fisher KR, Tannous K, Robinson S (2009)
Housing and associated support for people with mental illness or psychiatric disability.
Sydney: Social Policy Research Centre
Fielke K, Cord-Udy N, Buckskin J, Lattanzio A (2009)
The development of an 'Indigenous team' in a mainstream mental health service in South Australia.
Australasian Psychiatry; 17(S1): S75 - S78
Fourth National Mental Health Plan Working Group (2009)
Fourth National Mental Health Plan: an agenda for collaborative government action in mental health 2009-2014.
Canberra: Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing
Fredericks B (2009)
There is nothing that identifies me to that place’: Indigenous women’s perceptions of health spaces and places.
Cultural Studies Review; 15(2): 29-44
Hartman D, Wallis G, Drahm M, Unwin R, Robinson D (2009)
The Napranum social and emotional wellbeing week.
Australasian Psychiatry; 17(S1): S88 - S91
Haswell M, Hunter E, Wargent R, Hall B, O'Higgins C, West R (2009)
Protocols for the delivery of social and emotional well being and mental health services in Indigenous communities: guidelines for health workers, clinicians, consumers and carers.
Cairns, QLD: Australian Integrated Mental Health Initiative, Queensland Health
This manual was written to provide health professionals with a set of rules for the delivery of mental health services in Indigenous communities in Queensland. The information comes from evidence-based research and addresses the lack of resources available to health professionals on best practice standards for providing mental health care to Indigenous clients.
The manual consists of two parts:
- Part 1 focuses on understanding and supporting social and emotional wellbeing and mental health with Indigenous peoples, covering topics such as:
- an overview on mental health
- culturally appropriate mental health assessment and treatment for Indigenous people
- new approaches to service delivery
- practitioner tools and mental health care
- Part 2 provides guidelines for supporting people with the following mental illnesses:
- depression
- anxiety disorders
- self-harming behaviours
- schizophrenia and bipolar disorders.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
Heffernan E, Andersen K, Kinner S (2009)
The insidious problem inside: mental health problems of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in custody.
Australasian Psychiatry; 17(S1): S41 - S46
Jones C, Brideson T (2009)
Using policy and workforce development to address Aboriginal mental health and wellbeing.
Australasian Psychiatry; 17(S1): S72 - S74
Kanowski L, Jorm A, Hart L (2009)
A mental health first aid training program for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples: description and initial evaluation.
International Journal of Mental Health Systems; 3: 10
Retrieved 3 June 2009 from http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1752-4458-3-10
Kasinathan J (2009)
“Mad, bad or sad” – is there a better way?.
Australasian Journal of Correctional Staff Development; 1(March 2009):
Kelly K, Dudgeon P, Gee G, Glaskin B (2009)
Living on the edge: social and emotional wellbeing and risk and protective factors for serious psychological distress among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Darwin: Cooperative Research Centre for Aboriginal Health
Kraemer S, Gately N, Kessell J (2009)
HoPE (Health of Prisoner Evaluation): pilot study of prisoner physical health and psychological wellbeing.
Perth: Edith Cowan University, School of Law & Justice
This report details findings from the Health of Prisoner Evaluation (HoPE) pilot project that sought to investigate prisoner health in Western Australia. The impetus for this project was the recognition of the lack of national data reporting on the health of Australian prisoners. The project involved administering a health questionnaire to Indigenous and non-Indigenous male and female prisoners in Western Australia. The data generated from the questionnaire provides preliminary information on prisoner health trends in the following areas: physical health; mental health; addictive behaviours; illicit drugs; contact with families; sexual history and sexual health; tattooing; and body piercing. The report compares the results of the study with information about the general population, but also evaluates the differences between Indigenous and non-Indigenous prisoners, and male and female respondents. This pilot study aimed to create a way for a standardised program of health checks to be introduced into WA prisons and ultimately for all Australian prisons.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
Mental Health and Drugs Division (2009)
Victorian mental health reform strategy 2009-2019.
Melbourne: Victorian Department of Human Services
Mindframe Media and Mental Health Project (2009)
Reporting suicide and mental illness: a Mindframe resource for media professionals.
Canberra: Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing
This report was produced as a guide for media professionals when reporting on suicide and mental illness. The information in the report aims to educate media professionals on how to report on mental health issues in a responsible and appropriate way. The report covers topics such as:
- the impact of media reporting
- issues to consider when reporting suicide
- information and research on suicide
- issues to consider when reporting on mental illness
- information and research on mental illness
- mental illness definitions
- contacts for further information and expert comment.
The report is aimed at all Australian media organisations and professionals and as such, does not include information specific to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
Nagel T, Robinson G, Condon J, Trauer T (2009)
Approach to treatment of mental illness and substance dependence in remote Indigenous communities: results of a mixed methods study.
Australian Journal of Rural Health; 17(4): 174-182
Nagel TM, Thompson C, Robinson G, Condon J, Trauer T (2009)
Two-way approaches to Indigenous mental health literacy.
Australian Journal of Primary Health; 15(1): 50-55
Pere L (2009)
Creating better futures: when the theory fails and the future is no more.
Australasian Psychiatry; 17(s1): S10-S14
Pridmore S (2009)
Australian Aboriginal stories and psychopathology.
Asian Journal of Psychiatry; 2(4): 139-142
Ranzijn R, McConnochie K, Nolan W (2009)
Psychology and Indigenous Australians: foundations of cultural competence.
South Yarra, Vic: Palgrave Macmillan
This book provides information on the psychological impact of colonisation on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It begins by looking at the nature of culture, how colonisation has affected Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and the role of psychology. It finishes by describing how practitioners can work effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Abstract adapted from Psychology and Indigenous Australians
Stolen Generations Victoria (2009)
Between two worlds: a guide to understanding the Stolen Generations.
Melbourne: Stolen Generations Victoria
This report was written to educate non-Aboriginal service providers about the challenges faced by members of the Stolen generations. It contains information on the history of the Stolen generations and advice on the correct practice for working with members of the Stolen generations. The chapters cover a range of related topics, such as 'Acting white, feeling black' and 'Facing the challenges'.
Abstract adapted from Stolen Generations Victoria
Talbot D (2009)
“The Sergeant wants to acupuncture me”: a personal lens into the introduction of a traditional Eastern therapy to Indigenous Australians.
Australasian Psychiatry; 17(S1): S92 - S95
Wand AP, Corr MJ, Eades SJ (2009)
Liaison psychiatry with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry; 43(6): 509-517
Watson C, Harrison N (2009)
New South Wales Aboriginal mental health worker training program: implementation review.
Darwin: Cooperative Research Centre for Aboriginal Health
2008
Australian Bureau of Statistics (2008)
National survey of mental health and wellbeing: summary of results, 2007.
Canberra: Australian Bureau of Statistics
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2008)
Australia's health 2008: the eleventh biennial health report of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
Canberra: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
Australia's health 2008 was released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare as the eleventh edition of its biennial national health report. The report shows that Australia is one of the healthiest nations in the world, with most Australians generally have good health and access to a range of good health care services, but Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples continue to have much poorer health than the general population.
Section 3.2 of the report compiles health information on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Information about the demographic profile, health status, disability rates, and service use is provided. The section highlights that despite improvements in Indigenous death rates, the overall gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous rates appears to be widening with Indigenous Australians continuing to die at much younger ages. Indigenous Australians also continue to have a greater disease burden, higher rates of disability and a lower quality of life than other Australians. The section concludes with information on behaviours and health risk factors that shape the health status of Indigenous peoples such as tobacco use, alcohol misuse, illicit drug use, and housing conditions.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
Day A, Davey L, Wanganeen R, Casey S, Howells K, Nakata M (2008)
Symptoms of trauma, perceptions of discrimination, and anger: a comparison between Australian Indigenous and non-Indigenous prisoners.
Journal of Interpersonal Violence; 23(2): 245-258
Garvey D (2008)
Review of the social and emotional wellbeing of Indigenous Australian peoples.
Retrieved 2008 from http://www.healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au/other-health-conditions/mental-health/reviews/our-review
Garvey D (2008)
Review of the social and emotional wellbeing of Indigenous Australian peoples - considerations, challenges and opportunities.
Australian Indigenous HealthBulletin; 8(4): 1-29
Darren Garvey is an Indigenous professional with experience as a recipient and provider of services aimed at addressing the social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB) needs of Indigenous people, and as an academic involved in the training of Indigenous and non-Indigenous professionals in providing such services. Darren's perspective as 'insider' and 'outsider', and his professional interest in the development of a culturally competent workforce contributes to the narrative pursued in the review, and to the interplay of academic, policy and practical concerns.
The review describes aspects of the social and emotional wellbeing of Indigenous Australian people and elements of the Australian contexts in which they live. Major signposts, research findings and interventions concerning Indigenous Australians are highlighted in this review, and a number of general and significant trends are identified. The review attempts to distill several considerations, challenges and opportunities for people involved in the area and for those considering more substantial involvement.
The review begins by discussing the terminology used in the context of Indigenous social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB). Challenges regarding appropriate service provision, policy, intervention and research priorities are discussed, as well as the means by which practical and conceptual dilemmas regarding these challenges might be resolved.
What emerges is a picture of Indigenous social and emotional wellbeing which is bleak in its account of the mental health problems prevalent among Indigenous people, but also encouraging in the resilience shown by Indigenous people in the face of such adversity. Encouraging too are the efforts made by health service and other professionals to be more conscious of their roles in promoting good SEWB for Indigenous people and the exploration of the varied sites and opportunities in which such work can take place.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
Hillin A, McAlpine R, Bennett B, Brideson T, Worral V, Montague R (2008)
A model for consultation with Aboriginal stakeholders about young people's mental health and wellbeing: the NSW School-Link Training Program.
Australasian Psychiatry; 16(5): 326-332
Hunter E (2008)
The Aboriginal tea ceremony: its relevance to psychiatric practice.
Australasian Psychiatry; 16(2): 130-132
Jorm A, Hart L (2008)
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Mental Health First Aid (AMHFA) National Pilot Program : 2008 evaluation report for the Department of Health and Ageing, Office for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health.
Melbourne: ORYGEN Research Centre, University of Melbourne
Kanowski L (2008)
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health First Aid (AMHFA) program.
Aboriginal and Islander Health Worker Journal; 32(2): 18-19
Kenny DT, Lennings CJ, Nelson PK (2008)
The mental health of young offenders serving orders in the community: implications for rehabilitation.
Journal of Offender Rehabilitation; 45(1&2): 123-148
Mental Health Branch (2008)
Queensland plan for mental health 2007-2017.
Brisbane: Queensland Health
Nagel T (2008)
Relapse prevention in remote Indigenous mental health.
Doctor of Philosophy thesis, Menzies School of Health Research and Charles Darwin University: Darwin
This study was designed to provide important new information about relapse prevention in Indigenous* people with chronic mental illness. A key cause of the burden of disease of mental illness is the high frequency of relapse of common mental disorders. National and international best practice guidelines recommend a range of biological and psychological strategies to prevent recurrence of mental illness. There is good evidence that many of these relapse prevention strategies improve outcomes, but there has been a paucity of clinical research into Indigenous-specific interventions.
The study was conducted in two remote Indigenous communities in the Top End of the Northern Territory (NT). It targeted Indigenous clients, carers, and Aboriginal Mental Health Workers (AMHWs) and sought to answer two questions as follows: 'can a culturally appropriate brief intervention be developed which incorporates local Indigenous perspectives of mental health and mental illness?' and 'does the brief intervention improve client mental health outcomes compared with treatment as usual'?
Assessment, psychoeducation, and care-planning resources were developed with local AMHWs in the two communities. These were gathered into a focused brief intervention. The study then implemented a randomised trial of the intervention compared with 'treatment as usual'. Clients were randomised to an 'early treatment' group, which received the intervention at baseline, and a 'late treatment' group, which received the intervention six months later. Client outcomes were assessed six monthly for eighteen months.
Participants showed significant reductions in emotional distress and substance use and significant improvements in self-management. The results confirm that promotion of self-management through psychoeducation and goal-setting is an effective relapse prevention strategy. The study contributes important new information about cross-cultural perspectives of mental health, and provides a strategy to deliver treatment in the remote setting that is brief and effective.
* For the purpose of this thesis 'Indigenous' refers to Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and acknowledges their rich diversity of culture.
Abstract reproduced with kind permission of the author.
New South Wales Department of Health (2008)
Interagency action plan for better mental health: second yearly progress report.
Sydney: New South Wales Department of Health
NSW Department of Health (2008)
NSW community mental health strategy 2007-2012: from prevention and early intervention to recovery.
Sydney: NSW Department of Health
Office of the Stolen Generations Assessor (2008)
Report of the Stolen Generations Assessor: Stolen Generations of the Aboriginal Children Act 2006.
Hobart: Department of Premier and Cabinet
Pagdin R, Bradley P, Sims K (2008)
Developing a culturally secure environment and reducing seclusion.
International Journal of Mental Health Nursing; 17(s1): A27
Queensland Health Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drugs (2008)
Queensland health policy: service delivery for people with dual diagnosis (co-occuring mental health and alcohol and other drug problems).
Brisbane: Queensland Health, Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs
Roche AM, Duraisingam V, Wang P, Tovell A (2008)
Alcohol & other drugs, mental health & comorbidity: a training review.
Adelaide: National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction (NCETA), Flinders University
Santhanam R, McEwan A, Bainbridge R, Hunter E, Haswell M, Tsey K (2008)
Adapting the Australian Public Mental Health Performance Indicators to the contextual needs of a Remote Area Child and Youth Mental Health Service.
Australian Indigenous HealthBulletin; : 1-17
Stathis S, Letters P, Doolan I, Fleming R, Heath K, Arnett A, Cory S (2008)
Use of the Massachusetts Youth Screening Instrument to assess mental health problems in young people within an Australian youth detention centre.
Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health; 44(7-8): 438-443
Victorian Department of Human Services (2008)
Because mental health matters: a new focus for mental health and wellbeing in Victoria.
Melbourne: Victorian Department of Human Services
Zoeller R (2008)
Closing the Gap - the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
Aboriginal and Islander Health Worker Journal; 32(2): 4-5
2007
Adermann J, Campbell M (2007)
Big worry: implications of anxiety in Indigenous youth.
The Australian Journal of Indigenous Education; 36S(Supplement): 74-80
Adermann J, Campbell MA (2007)
Anxiety prevention in Indigenous youth.
Journal of Student Wellbeing; 1(2): 34-37
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2007)
Mental health services in Australia 2004-05.
Canberra: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
Bowers R (2007)
Clinical suggestions for honouring Indigenous identity for helpers, counsellors, and healers: the case of 'Marsha'.
Counselling, Psychotherapy and Health; 3(2): 89-104
Butler T, Allnutt S, Kariminia A, Cain D (2007)
Mental health status of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australian prisoners.
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry; 41(5): 429-435
Community Services and Health Industry Skills Council (2007)
Improving the capacity of workers in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to recognise and respond to mental illness and related alcohol and other drug issues: background report.
Sydney: Community Services and Health Industry Skills Council
The Community Services and Health Industry Skills Council (CS&HISC) have developed training resources and support materials to improve the capacity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers to recognise and respond to mental illness and alcohol and other drug issues. This report describes the background to the project and its progress to date.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
Denman L (2007)
Enhancing the accessibility of public mental health services in Queensland to meet the needs of deaf people from an Indigenous Australian or culturally and linguistically diverse background.
Australasian Psychiatry; 15(Supplement): s85-s89
Duke M (2007)
The dawn of Aboriginal psychiatry.
Australasian Psychiatry; 15(4): 305-309
Dunbar JA, Hickie IB, Wakerman J, Reddy P (2007)
New money for mental health: will it make things better for rural and remote Australia?.
Medical Journal of Australia; 186(11): 587-589
Fan BWS (2007)
Intervention model with Indigenous Australians for non-Indigenous counsellors.
Counselling, Psychotherapy and Health; 3(2): 13-20
Hampton R, McCann W (2007)
Developing a postgraduate program in Indigenous mental health and wellbeing at University of Southern Queensland.
Australasian Psychiatry; 15(1): s75-s79
Harris A, Robinson G (2007)
The Aboriginal Mental Health Worker Program: The challenge of supporting Aboriginal involvement in mental health care in the remote community context.
Australian e-Journal for the Advancement of Mental Health; 6(1): 15-25
Haswell-Elkins M, Sebasio T, Hunter E, Mar M (2007)
Challenges of measuring the mental health of Indigenous Australians: honouring ethical expectations and driving greater accuracy.
Australasian Psychiatry; 15(Supplement): s29-s33
Holt M, Treloar C, McMillan K, Schultz L, Schultz M, Bath N (2007)
Barriers and incentives to treatment for illicit drug users with mental health comorbidities and complex vulnerabilities.
Canberra: National Drug Strategy
Hooper K, Thomas Y, Clarke M (2007)
Health professional partnerships and their impact on Aboriginal health: an occupational therapist's and Aboriginal health worker's perspective.
Australian Journal of Rural Health; 15(1): 46-51
Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (2007)
Us taken-away kids: commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Bringing them home report.
Sydney: Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission
To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the publication Bringing them home report, the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission invited Indigenous people across Australia to talk about their experiences of removal, their thoughts ten years on from the Bringing them home: National Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children from Their Families Inquiry, and their hopes for the future. This report compiles the results of this invitation.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
Jones C, Crawford S (2007)
The psychosocial needs of NSW court defendants.
Crime and Justice Bulletin; (108):
Jorm AF, Kitchener BA, Kanowski LG, Kelly CM (2007)
Mental health first aid training for members of the public.
International Journal of Clinical and Health Psychology; 7(1): 141-151
Kenny DT, Lennings CJ (2007)
Cultural group differences in social disadvantage, offence characteristics, and experience of childhood trauma and psychopathology in incarcerated juvenile offenders in NSW, Australia: implications for service delivery.
Psychiatry, Psychology and Law; 14(2): 294-305
Kowal E, Gunthorpe W, Bailie RS (2007)
Measuring emotional and social wellbeing in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations: an analysis of a Negative Life Events Scale.
International Journal for Equity in Health; 6: 18
Retrieved 14 November 2007 from http://www.equityhealthj.com/content/pdf/1475-9276-6-18.pdf
McCoy B (2007)
'They weren't separated': missions, dormitories and generational health.
Health and History; 9(2): 48-69
McMahon E (2007)
Psychiatry at the frontier: surveying Aboriginal mental health in the era of assimilation.
Health and History; 9(2): 22-47
Monahan L, Twining C (2007)
Guidelines for the delivery of culturally sensitive and flexible counselling for Indigenous carers.
Melbourne: Carers Victoria
These guidelines have been developed for non-Indigenous counsellors who provide support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander carers. The guidelines aim to develop the skills and knowledge of non-Indigenous counsellors so they can better support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who care for someone with a disability, mental illness, or chronic condition.
The guidelines are presented in two parts:
- part 1 - western vs Indigenous conceptions of family, life cycle, and health
- part 2 - what would culturally appropriate and accessible counselling look like and what would make it possible?
The guidelines are the result of a research project that looked at the impact of caregiving on Indigenous carers.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
Nagel T, Thompson C (2007)
AIMHI NT 'mental health story teller mob': developing stories in mental health.
Australian e-Journal for the Advancement of Mental Health; 6(2): 119-124
NSW Department of Health (2007)
Interagency action plan for better mental health: first yearly progress report.
Sydney: NSW Department of Health
NSW Health (2007)
NSW Aboriginal mental health and well being policy 2006-2010.
Sydney: NSW Health
This policy aims to address the relatively low levels of specialist mental health service utilisation in Aboriginal communities, despite a high level of need related to mental health and wellbeing. The policy is a framework to guide NSW Health and NSW Area Mental Health Services in the provision of culturally sensitive and appropriate mental health and social and emotional well being services to the Aboriginal community. A number of best practice interventions are also highlighted in the report.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
O'Brien AP, Boddy JM, Hardy DJ (2007)
Culturally specific process measures to improve mental health clinical practice: Indigenous focus.
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry; 41(8): 667-674
O'Brien LM, Jackson D (2007)
It's a long way from the office to the creek bed: remote area mental health nursing in Australia.
Journal of Transcultural Nursing; 18(2): 135-141
Office for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health (2007)
National Strategic Framework for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health 2003-2013: Australian Government implementation plan 2007-2013.
Canberra: Department of Health and Ageing
The Australian Government Implementation Plan was developed by the Department of Health and Ageing in consultation with all relevant Australian Government agencies and the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Council. It has a strong emphasis on a whole of government approach to addressing the key priorities identified.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
Pattel N (2007)
Aboriginal families, cultural context and therapy.
Counselling, Psychotherapy and Health; 3(1): 24
Pratt G (2007)
Reflections of an Indigenous counsellor: sharing the journey: therapist and person?.
Australasian Psychiatry; 15(Supplement): s54-s57
Ranzijn R, McConnochie K, Clarke C, Nolan W (2007)
'Just another white-ology': psychology as a case study.
Counselling, Psychotherapy and Health; 3(2): 21-34
South Australian Social Inclusion Board (2007)
Stepping up: a social inclusion action plan for mental health reform, 2007-2012.
Adelaide: South Australian Social Inclusion Board
Stathis S, Letters P, Dacre E, Doolan I, Heath K, Litchfield B (2007)
The role of an Indigenous Health Worker in contributing to equity of access to a mental health and substance abuse service for Indigenous young people in a youth detention centre.
Australian e-Journal for the Advancement of Mental Health; 6(1)
Retrieved 19 March 2007 from http://www.auseinet.com/journal/vol6iss1/stathis.pdf
Toomey T (2007)
Mental health and substance abuse: working with Aboriginal communities for improved health in mid-western NSW.
Aboriginal and Islander Health Worker Journal; 31(3): 13-18
Wilczynski A, Reed-Gilbert K, Milward K, Tayler B, Fear J, Schwartzkoff J (2007)
Evaluation of the Bringing Them Home and Indigenous Mental Health Programs, final report.
Canberra: Office for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health
In 2006, the Office for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health commissioned Urbis Keys Young to evaluate the Bringing Them Home and Indigenous Mental Health Programs. Four programs were covered in the evaluation: the Link-Up Program; the Binging Them Home Program; the Social and Emotional Wellbeing Regional Centre Program; and the Mental Health Program.
The evaluation consisted of a consultation with service providers, associated organisations and clients of the services. The evaluation was advised by a Reference Group with membership from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations.
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract
Ypinazar VA, Margolis SA, Haswell-Elkins M, Tsey K (2007)
Indigenous Australians' understandings regarding mental health and disorders.
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry; 41(6): 467-478
Bibliography
Health promotion
Health practice
Yarning places
Programs
Organisations
Conferences
Courses
Funding
Jobs
Print
