U4 AOS2: DP1 Defining mental wellbeing (2023-2027)

mental disorders (low levels of mental wellbeing)

are more serious, often longer lasting conditions than mental health problems. The term implies a clinically recognisable set of symptoms and behaviours associated with distress or dysfunction or with a significantly increased risk of suffering, death, pain or loss of freedom

mental wellbeing

a state of emotional and social wellbeing in which individuals realise their own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and can contribute to their community

mental health problems (moderate levels of mental wellbeing)

lead to temporary difficulties with a person's thoughts, emotional stability, concentration, behaviour and perceptions. These may interfere with their daily functioning for a short period

internal factors

arise from within the individual; biological and psychological factors

external factors

arise from outside the individual; sociocultural factors

informed consent

requires participants be aware of the purpose of the research, rights, risks and procedure before they consent to participate.

Mental wellbeing continuum

a tool used to track fluctuating mental wellbeing

High levels of functioning

refers to an individual's ability to complete day-to-day tasks in an independent and effective manner

Social wellbeing

involves forming strong relationships with others and communicating emotions

Emotional wellbeing

involves appropriately controlling and expressing negative and positive emotions at suitable times

Resilience

the ability to bounce back or recover from stress, to adapt to stressful circumstances, to not become ill despite significant adversity, and to function above the norm in spite of stress or adversity

Stress

a normal response to a known stressor that occurs when an individual feels they do not feel as though they have adequate resources to cope

Anxiety

a negative response that involves feelings of worry, apprehension and unease, usually directed at something in the future

Phobia

refers to a type of anxiety disorder that is characterised by chronic feelings of intense anxiety, distress, and apprehension or fear.

Specific phobia

A persistent, irrational and intense fear of a particular object or event

Wellbeing

a state in which an individual is mentally, physically, and

socially healthy and secure

Levels of functioning

the degree to which an individual can complete day-to-day tasks in an independent and effective manner

Social and emotional wellbeing framework (SEWB)

a framework that includes all elements of being, and therefore wellbeing, for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

Holistic (in relation to SEWB)

an approach to wellbeing that considers the whole person,

including their mental, physical, spiritual, and social needs

Country (in relation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures)

traditional lands of a particular language or cultural group, including both geographical boundaries and the spiritual, emotional, and intellectual connections to and within it

multidimensional

made up of different components

Connection to Body

Connecting to the physical body and health in order to

participate fully in all aspects of life.

Connection to Mind and Emotions

Ability to effectively manage thoughts and feelings.

Connection to Family and Kinship

Connection to the immediate and wider family group and

community.

Connection to Community

Connection to wider social systems, providing individuals

and families the ability to connect with and support each other.

Connection to Culture

A strong sense of identity, values, tradition, and connection between the past, present, and future that drives behaviour and beliefs.

Connection to Country

The traditional lands of a particular language or cultural

group, both geographically and the spiritual, emotional, and

intellectual connections to and within it.

Connection to Spirituality and Ancestors

Spirituality refers to a concept that connects all things, and

shapes beliefs, values, and behaviour. It guides knowledge

systems, culture, and all that is life for Aboriginal people,

including connections to ancestors, the past, the present, and the future.

Ancestors refer to a belief that a family and community's

ancestors are interconnected with Creation spirits and

Country and watch over, guide, and protect families and

communities in the physical and spiritual world.