Why Keeping a Strong Spirit and a Strong Mind Is Important for Young Aboriginal People

Let's help you keep a strong spirit.

This post is presented in partnership with the Mental Health Commission’s Strong Spirit Strong Mind Metro Project.

Sometimes our school, work and social commitments can start to weigh heavily on our shoulders, and especially after the weird year we’ve had, we can’t blame you for feeling a little stressed.

Although it might seem like a mountain of things to worry about, it’s always important to remember to avoid using alcohol and other drugs as a way to cope with stress or boredom because they can have serious long-term effects on your future.

We sat down with Taneisha Hansen, the Senior Project Officer for the Strong Spirit Strong Mind Metro Project, to find out more about the Project’s campaign to help young people understand how alcohol and other drugs can impact relationships and decision making, and why young people try them in the first place.

"There are many different reasons why young people might consider trying alcohol and other drugs and that includes peer pressure," Taneisha tells Student Edge.

"They might be wanting to fit in with friends or family members, [or] they might just be curious to see what it’s like.

"It’s normal [for young people] to worry about fitting in with their peers and this can include drinking alcohol and using other drugs, as adolescence is often a time when many young people partake in those riskier behaviours."

Because alcohol and other drugs can affect people in many ways including how we make decisions, work and study, the Metro Project campaign aims to raise young people's awareness of the impacts alcohol and other drug use can have on their lives.

"It can cause people to say or do things they wouldn’t normally do and potentially lead to someone doing something that they might regret," she says.

"That can impact young people’s relationships with their friends, their family or other people around them."

Though these issues affect everyone, the Mental Health Commission’s current Strong Spirit Strong Mind Metro Project is all about encouraging and empowering young Aboriginal people to strengthen their inner spirit by avoiding alcohol and other drugs and seeking support if they need it.

It’s the only campaign of its kind, specifically developed by Aboriginal people for young Aboriginal  people.

Taneisha explained that while most young Aboriginal people choose not to partake in drug or alcohol use, those that do are more likely to consume at levels that put them at risk.

"Using alcohol and other drugs even in small amounts can increase a person’s risk of short-term harm such as vomiting, loss of consciousness, overdose, contracting an STI, violence, and even death," she said.

"Long-term harms can lead to things like dependence, chronic illnesses such as heart disease and cancer and increased risk of mental health conditions."

Avoiding alcohol and other drugs is the best way to keep a strong inner spirit and improve your wellbeing, she adds.

"Not only does maintaining a strong inner spirit keep you strong but it keeps your family strong, your community strong and our culture alive."

The main message of the Strong Spirit Strong Mind Metro Project is to avoid alcohol and other drugs, and if you’re worried about your own or someone else’s alcohol and other drug use, you can always ask for help or access a support service.

"If you’re offered alcohol or other drugs, say no," she says.

"There are many different ways you can do that, so be assertive; just say no straight out. You can use an excuse and say, 'Y’know I’ve got work tomorrow', 'I’ve got school'; you can use delay tactics. Say 'not right now I might have one later' or try to surround yourself with people that don’t use."

The Strong Spirit Strong Mind Metro Project also promotes the message that young people shouldn't be shame to ask for help, "whether it's talking to someone close to you like a friend or family member or you can access a support service such as the Alcohol and Drug Support Line."

"We also have a list of support services on our website under our 'Getting Help' page and there is also a live chat function where people can talk to a counsellor 24/7."

More information on the Strong Spirit Strong Mind Metro Project can be found here. Or to find out more about the Alcohol and Drug Support Line click here or contact them on (08) 9442 5000 (metro) or 1800 198 024 (country).

Header Image: Supplied