Indigenous mental health

Abstract

This chapter aims to respond to the high incidence of social and emotional wellbeing issues and mental health challenges that are unique to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Maori person. It provides a beginning level of understanding for mental health nurses, to assist you to develop your understanding of the critical and complex issues relating to the mental, social and emotional wellbeing of the Indigenous peoples from our two countries. This chapter has been compiled and written by an Aboriginal nurse, a Maori nurse and a white Australian nurse. This chapter acknowledges the unique diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Maori cultures, including the communities' needs and histories. The practitioner who integrates the guiding information in this chapter into their practice must also acknowledge and understand locally developed specific strategies in line with their respective cultural protocols.