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Indigenous Mental Health - Module 03 - Virginia Part 01
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Health outcomes for Indigenous Australians are worse than non-Indigenous Australians, due to difficulties with providing relevant mental health services especially in rural and remote areas. Services may not be delivered in an appropriate way and there may be difficulties with clinical partnerships. The tendency of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients to present late in the course of illness can also contribute to the problem.
Given the connection with the land as a source of physical renewal, how does the land-rights debate affect our physical health and would a treaty help to improve wellbeing?
Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people talk about feeling better as soon as they enter country and minor physical ailments seem to disappear. There is some evidence to suggest that returning to a more traditional diet also improves control of illness such as diabetes.
Consider the concepts of health discussed in the pre-reading information where health is seen in a holistic and collective sense and not by body parts. Focusing too much on reduction of symptoms without a broader focus is problematic and may not achieve desirable outcomes.
For more information on health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples go to: http://www.aihw.gov.au/publications/index.cfm/title/10234 |
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