The link between improved mental health outcomes for Indigenous Australians and relationships: what is the role of mental health nurses?

Abstract

In this editorial, we discuss the importance of mental health nurses working alongside Indigenous mental health workers to 'make a difference'. The cultures of the Indigenous peoples of Australia form an integral part of what it means to be Australian - as Australia's first peoples, they have been the spiritual owners and custodians of the lands upon which their communities have lived for thousands of years, upon which contemporary Australians continue to thrive. The significance of Indigenous cultures to the national psyche, however, is not reflected in the levels of health of Indigenous peoples, which continue to be lower than those of non-Indigenous Australians (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2015). For example, Indigenous Australians have higher rates of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, as well as mental illness (Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet, 2015; Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2014).