Social and Emotional Wellbeing - Indigenous point of view

Summary

Clinton Schilz, an Aboriginal psychologist, presents a holistic model of social emotional well-being for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. He describes this model as a wheel, emphasizing interconnected aspects such as physical, mental, emotional, cultural, and spiritual well-being. Unlike global definitions of mental health, this framework highlights the significance of community, family, and connection to Country, illustrating how these elements influence individual identity and health. Schilz advocates for integrating Aboriginal knowledge into mainstream practices, underscoring the importance of diverse perspectives in addressing mental health challenges.

Takeaways

• 😀 Clinton Schilz is an Aboriginal psychologist from the Giloy community in Northwest New South Wales.
• 🌍 Aboriginal social emotional well-being differs significantly from global mental health definitions, encompassing a holistic view.
• 🛠️ The model of social emotional well-being is likened to a wheel, with a central hub representing holistic well-being and spokes representing various interconnected domains.
• 🏃‍♂️ Physical well-being includes not only health but also the connection between body and spirit, emphasizing personal identity.
• 🧘‍♂️ Mental and emotional well-being involves finding peace with one's thoughts and surroundings, influenced by cultural connections.
• 👪 Aboriginal concepts of family extend beyond the nuclear family, encompassing broader kinship ties and community connections.
• 🌐 Community has various meanings within Aboriginal contexts, including geographic and heritage aspects.
• 🎨 Culture encompasses language, law, arts, and traditions, which are integral to identity and connection to land.
• 🌱 Connection to Country (land) is vital, affecting mental health and community ties, particularly for those who have been removed from their land.
• 🔄 Spirituality is defined broadly, including beliefs and principles that guide individuals, highlighting that all belief systems are valid.

Q & A

Who is Clinton Schilz?

Clinton Schilz is an Aboriginal psychologist from Northwest New South Wales, specifically from Lake Keepit, who has spent most of his life on the Gold Coast and in North Brisbane.

What is the main topic of Clinton's presentation?

Clinton discusses a model of social emotional well-being developed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, highlighting its holistic nature.

How does Aboriginal social emotional well-being differ from global definitions?

Aboriginal social emotional well-being is a broader and more holistic concept that includes elements like culture and land, unlike the narrower definitions often found in global mental health discussions.

What metaphor does Clinton use to explain the model of social emotional well-being?

He uses the metaphor of a wheel, where the hub represents holistic social emotional well-being, and the spokes represent various domains such as physical, mental, emotional well-being, family, community, culture, land, and spirituality.

What role does physical well-being play in the Aboriginal perspective?

Physical well-being encompasses not just health and nutrition but also the connection between body and spirit, affecting individual identity and daily activities.

How is the concept of family understood in Aboriginal culture according to Clinton?

Family extends beyond the nuclear unit to include kinship, respect, and community connections, reflecting a collectivist societal structure.

What is meant by connection to Country?

Connection to Country refers to the deep relationship individuals have with their land and environment, which can provide a sense of safety and identity.

How does spirituality factor into the model of well-being?

Spirituality is seen as a personal set of beliefs and principles that guide individuals, whether they relate to Aboriginal beliefs, Christianity, or science, all of which are considered equally valid.

What impact do social determinants have on well-being?

Social determinants, such as employment status, can act as either protective or risk factors, influencing an individual's overall well-being and potentially leading to mental or physical health issues.

How has Clinton's model been received in broader contexts?

The model has received positive feedback from both Aboriginal social emotional well-being workers and non-Indigenous practitioners, highlighting its applicability across different communities.