Culturally Appropriate Response to Reduce the Suicide in Aboriginal Communities
Tracks
Ian McLachlan Room West
| Monday, October 24, 2022 |
| 1:15 PM - 1:35 PM |
Overview
Margaret Saunders, Rural And Remote Mental Health
Speaker
Margaret Saunders
Rural and Remote Mental Health
Culturally Appropriate Response to Reduce the Suicide in Aboriginal Communities
Abstract
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are disproportionately impacted by suicide. Latest reports show suicide was the 5th leading cause of death for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. In 2020, Suicide accounted for 5.5% of all deaths of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples while the comparable proportion for non-Indigenous Australians was 1.9%.
Research and lived experience tells us that universal approaches to mental health and suicide prevention do not meet the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People. Local leaders tell us that models need to be culturally appropriate, focus on prevention and highlighted the need for solutions that “don’t do things for us, don’t tell us what to do, but walk with us along the journey”.
In response, since 2010, Rural and Remote Mental Health developed and has delivered Deadly Thinking, a social, emotional well-being and suicide prevention program specifically designed and delivered by and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. We have delivered more than 150 Deadly Thinking workshops Australia-wide to almost 2,000 people from more than 70 different locations, promoting ways to stay strong and connected to culture, country, and spirituality.
Deadly Thinking has been independently evaluated and the findings report the positive impact it has on Indigenous people. Participants reported:
• They felt there was a change in their attitude towards mental health (94.1%)
• The workshops helped them to understand and deal with their own worries (98.9%)
• They were more comfortable talking about social and emotional wellbeing than before the workshop. (96.2%)
Margaret Saunders, a respected Elder and proud Wiradjuri women, and major contributor to Deadly Thinking, will describe her experience and the impact of the program as well as the evolution of Deadly Thinking Youth, addressing the mental well-being of those aged 12-20 years.
Research and lived experience tells us that universal approaches to mental health and suicide prevention do not meet the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People. Local leaders tell us that models need to be culturally appropriate, focus on prevention and highlighted the need for solutions that “don’t do things for us, don’t tell us what to do, but walk with us along the journey”.
In response, since 2010, Rural and Remote Mental Health developed and has delivered Deadly Thinking, a social, emotional well-being and suicide prevention program specifically designed and delivered by and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. We have delivered more than 150 Deadly Thinking workshops Australia-wide to almost 2,000 people from more than 70 different locations, promoting ways to stay strong and connected to culture, country, and spirituality.
Deadly Thinking has been independently evaluated and the findings report the positive impact it has on Indigenous people. Participants reported:
• They felt there was a change in their attitude towards mental health (94.1%)
• The workshops helped them to understand and deal with their own worries (98.9%)
• They were more comfortable talking about social and emotional wellbeing than before the workshop. (96.2%)
Margaret Saunders, a respected Elder and proud Wiradjuri women, and major contributor to Deadly Thinking, will describe her experience and the impact of the program as well as the evolution of Deadly Thinking Youth, addressing the mental well-being of those aged 12-20 years.
Biography
I am a descendent of the Wiradjuri Nation (Bogan River Mob/Wongaibon People). I have worked in ATSI sector for most of my working career, in particular, for over 20 years in Native Title. My career has enabled me to make valuable and life long connections with ATSI people. I have attended and presented at a number of conferences.
I have worked in the SEWB, Mental Health and Suicide Awareness for the past six years. I travel nationally to deliver in total various programs as an Indigenous external consultant. I have been a lead contributor and Trainer of the Deadly Thinking program. I have knowledge and lived experience that I feel has been very valuable. I have a large family of 9 children and 13 grandchildren with a further extensive family which provides me the lived experiences and stories that I share and helps me connect with people of all ages.
