Navigating the mental health implications of the Israeli-Hamas conflict and Voice referendum
Along with the rest of the country, I’ve been shocked and saddened to see events unfold this week with the news of the Israeli-Hamas conflict. Many of Australia’s Palestinian and Jewish communities are experiencing personal impacts as a result, and I want to personally extend my support to those who have family members and loved ones in the region.
This is a time for us to come together and support one another.
With the Voice referendum nearly upon us, and also being heavily featured across the media this week, many of us are feeling our stress levels rising.
Dr Stephen Carbone, chief executive of Prevention United, told SBS News that we’ve all got a tipping point and, “It can start to overwhelm us emotionally if we engage with that content too much, or if there are people that we care about that are going through that awful experience.”
As we are only a day away from voting and public debate is reaching a peak, we must keep the social and emotional wellbeing and mental health of First Nations Australians at the forefront of our minds.
For too long, Indigenous voices have been marginalised and unheard in the decision-making processes that affect their lives and communities. This marginalisation has taken a toll on their mental health.
On Saturday 14 October, we can support the Uluru Statement from the Heart by voting Yes. This is a tangible way we can ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are acknowledged and listened to in decisions that affect them.
When we listen to people about the decisions that affect them, we get better results. This means recognising the unique perspectives and needs of First Nations Australians and allowing their voices to shape the decisions that impact their lives. By supporting a Voice to Parliament, we can take a significant step towards a more inclusive and equitable Australia, where every voice is heard and valued.
Mental Health Australia joined more than 125 health organisations in support of a constitutionally enshrined Voice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We firmly believe that the proposed Voice to Parliament will enhance government decision-making about matters that affect these communities, ultimately leading to improved mental health outcomes.
Many Mental Health Australia members strongly support the Voice to Parliament, and some have shared their statements with us which you can read here.
Gaaya Dhuwi and Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet have many helpful social and emotional wellbeing resources in relation to the Voice Referendum.
There is also a wealth of information on the Yes23 website and Mental Health Australia’s website, and as national icon Briggs put it last week, if you don’t understand what the Voice to Parliament is – just google it.
It’s an important time to be looking after our own mental health and have a collective empathy for those affected by this week’s events. A good first step to doing our part in addressing the mental health disparities among First Nations communities is at the ballot box this weekend.
I hope we can all come together to make a positive difference in the lives of First Nations Australians and our nation.
Have a good weekend and let’s vote Yes on 14 October.
Carolyn Nikoloski CEO, Mental Health Australia
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