2023 Mental Wellbeing

Mental health continuum

Represents varying levels of mental wellbeing that change over time.

Mentally healthy

Refers to a state of wellbeing in which an individual realises his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and is able to make a contribution to their community.

Mental health problem

Refers to a mild and temporary disruption to an individual's usual level of social and emotional wellbeing.

Mental disorder

Refers to psychological dysfunction that usually involves impairment in coping ability and atypical or inappropriate thoughts, feelings or behaviours.

Characteristics of mentally healthy people

High levels of functioning, resilience and emotional and social wellbeing.

High level of functioning

Being able to interact in society, cope with everyday stressors and undertake everyday tasks such as personal hygiene, employment, social interactions.

High level of resilience

Being able to adapt and cope with life challenges to restore positive functioning.

High level of social wellbeing

Strong communication skills, good at conflict resolution, strong support network, respectful.

High level of emotional wellbeing

Strong ability to understand and regulate emotions, enjoy life despite occasional disappointments.

Protective factor

Any characteristic or event that improves wellbeing.

Risk factor

Any characteristic or event that impairs levels of mental wellbeing.

Biological factors

Physiologically-based influences.

Psychological factors

Mental processes such as the way we think, remember or process information.

Social factors

Refers to our skills at interacting with others as well as our relationships.

Biopsychosocial model

Describes and explains how biological, psychological and social factors interact to influence a person's physical and mental health. They should be considered in terms of diagnosis and treatment.

SEWB framework

A multi-dimensional and holistic framework which considers the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Connection to body

Biological elements of physical health - feeling strong and healthy and able to physically participate as fully as possible in life.

Connection to mind and emotions

Importance of mental health and wellbeing, including distress and positive emotions and ability to manage thoughts and feelings.

Connection to family and kinship

Importance of family and wider kinship groups.

Connection to community

Importance of cohesion with community and cultural identities, ability to connect with and support each other.

Connection to culture

Importance of sense of pride and belonging to cultural identity and practices, sense of continuity with the past.

Connection to Country

Deep spiritual connection to, and respect for, Country.

Connection to spirituality and ancestors

Recognising the relationship between human and non-human beings, as well as the past, present and future, provides a sense of purpose and meaning.

Determinants of Wellbeing

Historical, social, political and cultural factors which influence strength of connection to the 7 domains.

External factors

Factors that originate outside a person.

Internal factors

Factors that originate from within a person.

Biological protective factors

Includes adequate nutrition, hydration and sleep.

Social protective factors

Includes authentic and energising social support.

Psychological protective factors

Includes cognitive behavioural strategies and mindfulness meditation.

Mindfulness meditation

The practice of observing the present moment, suspending judgements, and focusing on something calm and peaceful.

Cognitive behavioural strategies

Strategies which focus on replacing unhealth or unhelpful thinking patterns with more helpful ways of thinking, which can then influence behaviour and mood.

Culture

A way of life that is shared and learned and preserved over time.

Cultural determinants of wellbeing

Cultural factors that influence health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Cultural continuity

The ability to preserve the historical traditions of a culture and carry them forward into the future.

Self determination

The ability to freely make decisions on matters that affect one's own life.