First Nations Communities and Social and Emotional Wellbeing
Wellbeing for First Nations Peoples grows from strong connections to body, mind, spirit, culture, kin and Country.
Life’s pressures and experiences of racism can make things feel heavy, but you don’t have to carry that alone.
Our counsellors are here 24/7 to listen with care and without judgement, offering support that's culturally respectful and safe for First Nations Peoples.
We're here to walk alongside you, whenever you need.
Acknowledgement of country
Walking together
As an organisation that supports people from across Australia, Beyond Blue acknowledges First Nations Peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Country and their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay respect to Elders past and present.
At Beyond Blue we use the term First Nations Peoples to show respect for the many different Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nations across Australia. Beyond Blue works with communities and First Nations-led services to honour strengths in connection to land, family, community, culture and spirit and build support that feels safe and shaped around you.
On this page
Wellbeing for First Nations Communities
For more than 65,000 years, First Nations Peoples have stayed strong by staying connected to Country, culture and community.
First Nations Peoples have sustained the world’s oldest living cultures through caring for each other – strengthening community wellbeing across generations
At Beyond Blue, we recognise the impact that colonisation has had and continues to have, and the intergenerational trauma, grief and loss that First Nations Peoples have carried, and continue to carry.
We’re here to walk alongside First Nations Peoples and organisations – listening, learning and acting on what we learn to provide better support.
Together we can help create a future where First Nations Peoples feel heard, supported and strong.
Social and emotional wellbeing
Your wellbeing is supported by strong connections between body, mind, spirit, culture, kin and Country. It’s also shaped by social, historical, political and cultural influences.
The Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) model shows how these connections work together and why caring for all parts of life matters.
SEWB Diagram adapted from Gee et al., (2014)
The strengths of culture
Culture gives you strength and confidence, helping you feel good and be there for yourself and your community.
Healthy communities, healthy lives
Know your whole self
Feeling tired most days
Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
Eating more or eating less
Big changes in how you look
Sadness or worry that stays
Feeling lonely or shut off
Hard to yarn with anyone
Big changes in how you act
Struggling with identity
Feeling shame or weakness
Family worries or tension
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Relationship stress or conflict
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Worrying about money
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Feeling unsafe
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Worrying about someone's safety
Grief or loss
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Sorry Business or Sorry Time
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Trauma from past or childhood
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Intergenerational trauma
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Distress after racism or discrimination
Staying strong together
Looking after your health is sometimes a bit of a balancing act. Eating well, moving your body and resting are all great for your mental wellbeing.
Feeling safe and having a sense of belonging in community is also important.
Strong links to culture, Country, spirituality and kin can help you feel grounded. This might mean walking on Country or sitting with traditional lands and practices.
Spend time yarning with Elders, family and kin
Connect with country – even small moments outdoors can help
Share meals and stories with community
Take time for cultural practices and ceremony
- Reach out for support that feels culturally safe
Not sure where to start?
Beyond Blue has free mental health and wellbeing quizzes that can help you understand what you’re feeling and find support that fits you.
Everyone has struggles at times. Quiz results are not a test or a judgement – they’re a starting point for getting help.
Your privacy is important to us. All responses are completely anonymous and no personal information is collected.
Asking for help shows courage and care
It’s not always easy to see when someone needs extra support – even when it’s us. Life’s pressures, like grief, stress or big changes, can build up.
Opening up to someone you trust can help lighten the load, and it’s a brave thing to do.
If things feel hard, yarning with someone really helps.
Think about someone who makes you feel safe and won’t judge you. Maybe that’s a partner, family member, Elder, close friend, teacher, counsellor, doctor, mental health professional or health worker.
Remember you’re never alone – there’s always support when you need it.
"However you're feeling, don’t be afraid to reach out, ask for help and share what you're feeling."
– Kyle Vander Kuyp, Worimi and Yuin man, Olympic athlete
Racism and cultural disrespect are never OK
Racism can take many forms such as harmful jokes or comments, verbal or physical abuse, exclusion from professional and social spaces, and lack of recognition for cultural practices.
It can also show up systemically in the justice system, in pay gaps, in unequal access to housing, healthcare and education.
Experiences of racism or cultural disrespect can leave you feeling heavy and cut off from culture, kin or Country.
These moments can add up quickly and can have a strong impact on your mental health and wellbeing, and it can lead to serious mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
