Chapter 8A

Question 1

Mental wellbeing

Answer 1

is a sate of welfare in which an individual realises their own abilities, can cope with normal stressors of life, can work productively and is able to contribute to their community and involves factors such as physical, mental, social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing

Question 2

what does mental wellbeing involve

Answer 2

mental wellbeing involves our state of mind, our enjoyment of life and our ability to cope with the normal stresses of everyday life and develop to our potential

Question 3

3 components of mental wellbeing

Answer 3

• levels of functioning
• resilience
• social and emotional wellbeing

Question 4

Functioning

Answer 4

functioning refers to how well an individuals independently performs in their environment and adapts to the demands of daily living. high levels of functioning often reflect healthy mental wellbeing.

Question 5

our level of functioning should be high in multiple domains, including:

Answer 5

• interpersonal relationships: we should be able to interact well with other people
• school/work settings: we should be able to achieve goals and be productive
• leisure: we should be able to participate in activities which bring us enjoyment in our free time
• daily living skills: we should be able to support ourselves through day to day activities
• cognition: we should be able to learn, apply, understand, and communicate information
• emotions: we should be able to regulate our emotions and rationalise situations

Question 6

High levels of functioning

Answer 6

Individuals with high levels of functioning may:
- carry out basic everyday tasks, such as maintaining personal hygiene and dressing appropriately
- be productive in completing daily tasks
- set goals and take steps towards achieving them
- be independent
- adapt to changes in the environment

Question 7

low levels of functioning

Answer 7

individuals with low levels of functioning may:
- struggle to carry out basic tasks, such as maintaining personal hygiene and dressing appropriately
- feel uncharacteristically lethargic or tired and those be unproductive in achieving tasks
- lack direction or to be able to set goals in life
- be unable to cope with changes in the environment

Question 8

resilience

Answer 8

resilience refers to our ability to cope with change and uncertainty, adapt to life stressors and restore positive functioning, it is our ability to bounce back from adversity.

Question 9

High levels of resilience

Answer 9

individuals with high levels of resilience may:
- seek solutions to problems
- use appropriate coping strategies
- be flexible in changing circumstances
- be optimistic and hopeful

Question 10

low levels of resilience

Answer 10

individuals with low levels of resilience may:
- experience enduring feeling of being overwhelmed when problems arise
- rely on unhealthy or unhelpful coping strategies
- being unable to adapt to change
- lack hope and optimism

Question 11

social wellbeing

Answer 11

social wellbeing is the ability for an individual to form and maintain meaningful bonds with other, and adapt to different social situations

Question 12

emotional wellbeing

Answer 12

the ability for an individual to appropriately control and express their own emotions in an adaptive way as well as understand the emotions of others

Question 13

high levels of social wellbeing

Answer 13

A person with high levels of social wellbeing may:
- have a strong support network
- be able to form and maintain meaningful relationships
- be able to effectively communicate with others

Question 14

low levels of social wellbeing

Answer 14

A person with low levels of social wellbeing may:
- Be isolated or lack support from others
- have difficulty forming and maintaining relationships
- struggle to effectively communicate with others

Question 15

high levels of emotional wellbeing

Answer 15

A person with high levels of emotional wellbeing may:
- Be aware of their own and others current emotional state
- experience a wide range of emotions
- express emotions at appropriate times

Question 16

low levels of emotional wellbeing

Answer 16

A person with low levels of emotional wellbeing may:
- be unable to understand or name their own and others emotions
- feel numb or be unable to experience certain emotions
- express emotions inappropriately or at inappropriate times

Question 17

Social and emotional framework (SEWB) for aboriginal and Torres strait islander communities

Answer 17

social and emotional wellbeing is a holisitc frameowkr for wellbeing used by aboriginal and torress strait islander people that describes social, emotional, spiritual and cultural dimensions of wellbeing. it considers our connection across various domains.

Question 18

SEWB framework

Answer 18

Although mental wellbeing is an important dimension of SEWB, this framework demonstrates that it is only one component of overall wellbeing. the framework shows there are 7 dimensions/domains of wellbeing that enable a strong and positive aboriginal or Torres strait islander identity. these domains although separated in the framework all are interconnected

Question 19

Dimensions of the social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB)

Answer 19

• connection to body
• connection to mind and emotions
• connection to family and kinship
• connection to community
• connection to culture
• connection to land
• connection to spirituality and ancestors

Question 20

connection to body

Answer 20

refers to physical wellbeing and maintaining physical health
examples include:
- maintaining healthy weight
- access to good nutrition
- managing illness and disability

Question 21

connection to mind and emotions

Answer 21

refers to mental wellbeing, including all aspects of our cognitive, emotional and psychological experience
examples include:
- maintaining self-esteem
- Connecting to values and motivation
- having high levels of confidence
- maintaining a strong identity

Question 22

connection to family and kinship

Answer 22

refers to interpersonal interaction. for first nations communities in particular, there is a large emphasis placed on family and kinship
Examples include
- spending time within family groups promotes a feeling of connection and therefore wellbeing
- caring for the ill is the responsibility of all, not simply ones biological parents or children

Question 23

connection to community

Answer 23

refers to the ability to participate in sociocultural norms, maintain communal bonds, and foster a sense of belonging
examples include
- community services and support networks
- the ability to maintain community connection to play an integral role in maintaining the wellbeing of individuals

Question 24

connection to culture

Answer 24

refers to the ability to create and maintain a strong and healthy relationship with ones heritage
examples include:
- elders passing on info and tradition to future generations
- speaking local languages
- attending cultural events
- participating in traditional rites and rituals which enable children to learn about their cultures value systems including those related to wellbeing

Question 25

connection to land

Answer 25

refers to the sense of connection, beliefs and experiences with country. it also correlates to the connection to spirituality as the land is an indelible part of first nations identities and communities
example include:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander beliefs are tied heavily to the land and how one lives on it. One should and does not take more than one needs so the land continues to thrive.
- Each person belongs to certain territories within family and clan groups, and by extension has spiritual connections and obligations to the associated land. Therefore, one belongs to the land rather than the other way around (Dudgeon et al., 2014).
- Connection to Country is a strong part of Aboriginal culture and therefore a strong part of establishing social and emotional wellbeing (Deadly Story, n.d.).

Question 26

connection to spirituality and ancestors

Answer 26

refers to engaging aboriginal metaphysical views, stories, rituals and ceremonies which allow individuals to engage with themselves, the land and previous generation. in particular this often involves connections to the dreaming
examples include:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ spirituality is grounded in the belief that their ancestors watch over them for the entirety of their life. There is a strong belief that ancestors will offer guidance when needed and answer questions in unique ways when least expected. This creates a sense of purpose and wellbeing (Deadly Story, n.d.).