mental wellbeing Flashcards
wellbeing
a state in which an individual is mentally, physically, and socially healthy and secure
mental wellbeing
an individual’s psychological state, including their ability to think, process information, and regulate emotions
ways of considering mental wellbeing
levels of functioning, resilience, social and emotional wellbeing
levels of functioning
the degree to which an individual can complete day-to-day tasks in an independent and effective manner
characteristics of high levels of functioning
- 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.
characteristics of low levels of functioning
- struggle to carry out basic tasks, such as maintaining personal hygiene and dressing appropriately
- feel uncharacteristically lethargic or tired and thus be unproductive in achieving tasks
- lack direction or be able to set goals in life
- be unable to cope with changes in the environment.
resilience
the ability to cope with and manage change and uncertainty
characteristics of high levels of resilience
- seek solutions to problems
- use appropriate coping strategies
- be flexible in changing circumstances
- be optimistic and hopeful.
characteristics of low levels of resilience
- experience enduring feelings of being overwhelmed when problems arise
- rely on unhealthy or unhelpful coping strategies
- be unable to adapt to change
- lack hope and optimism.
social wellbeing
the ability for an individual to form and maintain meaningful bonds with others, and adapt to different social situations
emotional wellbeing
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
social emotional wellbeing
aspects of overall mental wellbeing that are deeply linked to one another, and that are understood differently in different communities
high levels of social wellbeing
- have a strong support network
- be able to form and maintain meaningful relationships
- be able to effectively communicate with others
low levels of social wellbeing
- be isolated or lack support from others
- have difficulty forming and maintaining meaningful relationships
- struggle to effectively communicate with others.
high levels of emotional wellbeing
- be aware of their own and others’ current emotional state
- experience a wide range of emotions
- express emotions at appropriate times.
low levels of emotional wellbeing
- 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 (for example, yelling at your boss while at work).
Social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB)
a framework that includes all elements of being, and therefore wellbeing, for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
multidimensional
meaning that it is made up of different components
holistic
which reflects an approach to wellbeing that considers the whole person, including their mental, physical, spiritual, and social needs.
connection to body
Connecting to the physical body and health to participate fully in all aspects of life.
* Maintaining a healthy weight.
* Access to good nutrition.
* Managing illness and disability.
connection to mind and emotions
Ability to effectively manage thoughts and feelings
* Maintaining self-esteem.
* Connecting to values and motivation.
* Having high levels of confidence.
* Maintaining a strong identity.
connection to family & kinship
Connection to the immediate and wider family group and community
* Spending time within family groups promotes a feeling of connection and therefore wellbeing.
* Caring for the ill is the responsibility of all, not simply one’s biological parents or children.
connection to community
Connection to wider social systems, providing individuals and families the ability to connect with and support each other
* Community services and support networks.
* The ability to maintain community connections plays an integral role in maintaining the wellbeing of individuals
connection to culture
strong sense of identity, values, tradition, and connection between the past, present, and future that drives behaviour and beliefs
* Elders passing on information and tradition to future generations.
* Speaking local languages.
* Attending cultural events.
* Participating in traditional rites and rituals, which enable children to learn about their culture’s value systems
connection to country
traditional lands of a particular language or cultural group, both geographically and the spiritual, emotional, and intellectual connections to and within it
* Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander beliefs are tied heavily to the land and how one lives on it
* Each person belongs to certain territories within family and clan groups, and by extension has spiritual connections and obligations to the associated land
connection to spirituality
Spirituality refers to a concept that connects all things, and shapes beliefs, values, and behaviour
Ancestors refer to a belief that a family and community’s ancestors are interconnected with Creation spirits and Country and watch over, guide, and protect families and communities in the physical and spiritual world
* 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
social determinants of wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
The circumstances in which people grow, live, and work, and the
systems put in place to deal with illness
* Socioeconomic status (level of wealth)
* The impact of poverty
* Unemployment
* Racial discrimination
historical determinants of wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
The ongoing influence of events, policies, and trauma on groups of people
* The impact of past government policies
* Colonisation and its legacy
political determinants of wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
political policies that shape the process of distributing resources and power to individuals and communities, and create or reinforce social and health inequalities
* Unresolved issues of land
* Control of local resources
* The rights of self-determination and sovereignty
