A Personal Narrative

Abstract

Background: I am an Aboriginal mental health worker on Galiwinku (Elcho Island). As I have had personal experiences with mental health problems with family and community members, I think that this experience has helped me to gain a good understanding of mental health problems with Yolngu people. Objective(s): My experience has taught me to separate cultural influences from the actual illness as we are spiritual people and maintain a strong cultural way of life. Therefore, it is important to understand how to apply mental health treatments with Yolngu people. Method(s): My role is to assist people to understand mental health problems and some of the things that can cause mental health problems, such as alcohol and substance misuse, family problems, violence and stress. I address these issues in a 'Yolngu' way first. I assess whether the problem is more cultural and take appropriate action if need be. Finding(s): I see my role as ensuring accurate assessment, diagnosis and treatment as well as making people more aware of mental health problems and how to stop them from happening. This will be achieved by education in the community and by applying practical work in patients' daily lives such as getting them active again. Conclusion(s): I would like to see a stronger workforce with more Yolngu people, focussing on being practical in the community. Doing a lot of community work to influence being active and a practical recovery process. This could include a balance - Yolngu way and Balanda (non- Aboriginal) way.