James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2001

TM2340:03

Mental Health

Townsville

40 lectures, 5 tutorials, 20 hours practicals, 5 hours workshops. Intensive block mode.

Available to students enrolled in the Advanced Diploma of Indigenous Health.

Staff: Assoc. Professor J Elston.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience high rates of mental health problems and disorders including psychological distress and depression. Mental health, which includes emotional and social well-being issues, is one of the leading health issues to be managed by indigenous health services. Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander health workers are critical primary care links who negotiate the area between indigenous health care needs and health care services. They require the skills and knowledge to recognise the signs and symptoms of mental health problems and to effectively intervene in situations requiring support and further referrals .

Learning Objectives:

  1. identify the cultural, social and historical issues relating to social, emotional and mental health in indigenous communities;
  2. discuss indigenous strategies for maintaining social, emotional and mental wellbeing;
  3. understand the issues related to the diagnosis of psychiatric mental health disorders;
  4. analyse statistical information on indigenous rates of mental disorders, including suicide;
  5. identify relevant intervention strategies and actions in mental health crisis, including intended suicide;
  6. undertake a self analysis of personal wellbeing and coping strategies;
  7. develop and demonstrate basic counselling skills;
  8. describe the role and function of various mainstream mental health professionals;
  9. ability to refer a client to another mental health professional;
  10. identify appropriate mental health promotion acitivities in indigenous communities;
  11. discuss and understand the implications of critical incident stress;
  12. discuss and understand the importance of debriefing;
  13. identify methods for self care and preservation in the mental health environment.

Assessment by participation (10%); reports (20%); workshop (30%); examination (40%).