Chapter 8 - Defining Mental Wellbeing

Wellbeing

a state in which an individual is mentally, physically and socially healthy and secure.

Mental Wellbeing

an individual’s psychological state, including their ability to think, process information and regulate emotions.

Levels of functioning

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

High Levels of functioning characteristics

• carry out basic, everyday tasks such as maintaining personal hygiene and dressing appropriately

• be productive in completing daily tasks

• set goals and take steps towards completing them.

• be independent

• adapt to changes in their environment

Low Levels of functioning characteristics

• struggle to carry out basic tasks, such as maintaining personal hygiene and dressing appropriately.

• feel uncharacteristically lethargic or tired and thus be unproductive in completing tasks.

• lack direction and/or be unable to set goals in life.

• be unable to cope with changes in their environment.

Resilience

the ability to cope with and manage change and uncertainty.

High levels of resilience characteristics

• seek solutions to their problems

• use appropriate coping strategies

• be flexible in changing circumstances

• be optimistic and hopeful

Low levels of resilience characteristics

• expereince enduring feelings of overwhelm when problems arise

• rely on unhealthy or unhelpful coping strategies

• be unable to adapt to change

• lack in hope and optimism

Social Wellbeing

The ability of an individual to form and maintain meaningful bonds with others, and adapt to different social situations.

High Levels of social wellbeing characteristics

• have a strong support network

• be able to form and maintain meaningful relationships

• be able to effectively communicate with others

Low levels of social wellbeing characteristics

• be isolated or lack support from others

• have difficulty forming and maintaining meaningful relationships

• struggle to effectively communicate with others

Emotional Wellbeing

the ability for an individual to appropriately control and express their own emotions in an adaptive way, as well as understand the emotions of others.

Characteristics of high emotional wellbeing

• be aware of their own and other’s current emotions

• experience a wide range of emotions

• express emotions at appropriate times

Characteristics of low emotional wellbeing

• be unable to understand or name their own and others emotions

• feel numb or be able to experience certain emotions

• express emotions inappropriately or at inappropriate times

SEWB framework for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Communities

Framework that includes all elements of being, and therefore wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.

Multidimensional

in relation to SEWB, meaning its made up of different components

Holistic

reflects SEWB as an approach to wellbeing that considers the whole person including their mental, physical, spiritual and social needs.

Dimensions of SEWB

• Body

• Mind & Emotions

• Family and Kinship

• Community

• Culture

• Country

• Spirituality

• Ancestors

Connection to Body

connecting to the physical body and health in order to participate fully in all aspects of life.

Connection to Mind & Emotions

Ability to effectively manage thoughts and feelings

Connection to Family & 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

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

Connection to Spirituality

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 the past, present and the future.

Connection to Ancestors

a belief that a family and communities ancestors are interconnected with creation spirits and country and watch over, guide, and protect families and communities in the spiritual and physical world.

Determinants

• Social determinants

• Historical determinants

• Political determinants

Social determinants

The circumstances in which people grow, live and work and the systems put in place to deal with illness.

Examples of Social determinants

• SES

• Impact of poverty

• Unemployment

• Racial discrimination

Historical determinants

The ongoing influence of events, policies and trauma on groups of people.

Examples of Historical determinants

• Colonisation and its legacy

• The impact of past government policies

Political Determinants

Political policies that shape the process of distributing resources and power to individuals and communities, and create or reinforce social and health inequalities.

Examples of Political determinants

• Unresolved land issues

• control of local resources

• the rights of self determination and sovereignty

Mental Wellbeing continuum

a tool used to track fluctuating mental wellbeing

Characteristics of high levels of MWB

• able to function independently within their everyday life

• able to cope with demands without showing an excessive level of distress and dysfunction

• still may experience stress, sadness, and anger, however, have high levels of mental well-being due to their debility to cope with these experiences, regulate emotions and express them appropriately

Characteristics of the Middle of the continuum (Neither high nor low levels of MWB)

• not functioning at an optimal level

• experiences temporary or moderate impacts on mental wellbeing

• experiences amplified emotions and high levels of stress

• has difficulty concentrating

• More likely to experience irrational thought patterns

Characteristics of low levels of MWB

• shows high levels of distress

• unable to independently complete tasks and meet the everyday demands of their environment

• is impacted for an extended period of time

• may be diagnosed by a mental health professional and may be treated through psychotherapy or medication

Internal factors that influence MWB

• stress response

• thought patterns

• genetic predisposition

External Factors influencing MWB

• loss of significant relationship

• level of education

• experiencing difficulty within certain environments (eg, Work or school)

• level of access to support services (eg medical and/or psychological treatment.)

Stress

a psychological and physiological experience that occurs when an individual encounters something of significance that demands their attention and/or efforts to cope.

Anxiety

a psychological and physiological response that involves feelings of worry and apprehension about a perceived threat.

Specific phobia

a type of diagnosable anxiety disorder that is categorised by excessive and disproportionate fear when encountering or anticipating the encounter of a particular stimulus,

Characteristics of specific phobia

• sympathetic NS is dominant

• Phobia is excessive

• Response is to a known stimullus

• Phobia is persistent

• feeling of fear is predominant

• fear of phobic stimulus affects daily functioning

• Diagnosable mental disorder

• phobia is irrational

• distressing for the individual

• avoidance of the phobic stimulus