Suicide Prevention for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People is Not Just About a Mental Health Response

In this course, Dr. Vanessa Lee (BTD, MPH, PhD, SFHEA, University of Sydney), offers stark statistics about the high suicide rates and psychological distress of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. She explains how these will only be able to decline if health services are provided which are culturally safe and valid, respecting all the determinants of social and emotional wellbeing. Dr Lee brings in the transcultural mental health model of the steps of Cultural Safety to address issues of cultural awareness and sensitivity. The chief principles of the Gayaa Dhuwi Declaration are elaborated to demonstrate the many aspects of interaction between the dominant culture and holistic Indigenous Australian cultures which negatively impact on the latter’s mental and emotional health. These include understandings about the role that trauma and loss, failure to respect human rights, and racism and social disadvantage have played in undermining the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.