You might notice changes

When we’ve got a lot going on we can feel sad, weak, tired, stressed and angry. Everybody has these feelings when life is tough, but when these feelings go on for a long time it can weaken our body, mind and spirit. When this happens, there are some changes you might notice, like:

• Feeling sad inside and no interest in doing things
• Feeling like everything is an effort
• Wanting to be alone
• Not eating good tucker
• Not being able to sleep
• Feeling nervous or jumpy
• Feeling guilt or shame

• Being so sad nothing can cheer you up
• Crying and you don’t know why
• Being quick to get wild and angry
• Having trouble focusing or remembering things
• Having too much alcohol, gunja/yandi and other drugs
• Having bad thoughts or thinking of dying

You can keep yourself strong by:

• Yarn with friends and family about what’s going on
• Getting enough sleep
• Eating good, healthy tucker
• Staying connected with family and friends who give you strength and support
• Practicing culture through local totems and stories
• Spend time with local Elders to learn history, go on country, and learn art and crafts

• Reconnecting with country by going camping, hunting, fishing, swimming or surfing
• Taking time out for yourself to do things you enjoy like a hot bath, bush walk or drawing
• Making deadly choices and good changes
• Setting yourself goals
• Staying connected to your physical body by playing sports, music or dancing

Having ways to practice culture, language, and spiritual beliefs can make you feel proud and keep your spirit strong and your mind positive and resilient. Sometimes your community isn’t on traditional country but you can still get involved in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture by sharing stories with local Elders and discovering local history.