Social and emotional well being framework 2004-2009
This framework is a five year plan to guide improvements in the mental health and social and emotional well being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
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Prepared by: Social Health Reference Group for National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Council and National Mental Health Working Group 2004Endorsed by: Australian Health Ministers' Advisory Council
Front cover: the dance of life
The dance of life
The cover depicts a painting which is the last in a series depicting a multi-dimensional model of health from an Aboriginal perspective. The final painting brings all of the dimensions together to reflect the delicate balance of life within the universe. The dimensions include the biological or physical dimension, the psychological or emotional dimension, the social dimension, the spiritual dimension and finally, and most importantly, the cultural dimension. Within each dimension there are additional layers to consider, including the historical context, the traditional and contemporary view as well as our gaps in knowledge.The potential solutions for healing and restoration of well being comes from considering additional factors encompassing issues at the coal face of symptom presentation and service delivery, such as education and training, policy, the socio-political context and international perspective. As the final painting suggests, we can only exist if firmly grounded and supported by the community and our spirituality, whilst always reflecting back on culture in order to hold our head up high to grow and reach forward to the experiences life has waiting for us.
The stories of our ancestors, the collective grief, as well as healing, begin from knowing where we have come from and where we are heading. From the Aboriginal perspective, carrying the past with you into the future is, as it should be. We are nothing if not for those who have been before, and the children of the future will look back and reflect on us today.
When we enable a person to restore all of the dimensions of their life, then we have achieved a great deal. When all of the dimensions are in balance, within the universe, we can break free of our shackles and truly dance through life.