Double Talk: Changing and Conflicting Constructions of Indigenous Mental Health

Abstract

Objective: The method by which psychiatric professionals and the profession itself have addressed the mental health needs of Indigenous Australians is explored.

Method: A sociohistorical frame is utilised to explore the changing nature of psychiatric engagement in this field since the Second World War.

Results: A series of distinct phases are definable, each of which demonstrates particular characteristics that relate to the social and political circumstances of indigenous Australia and changing investment on the part of mental health professionals. Significant difficulties have emerged at various stages and there exist quite different interpretations and uses of language relating to indigenous mental health.

Conclusions: Current relations between mental health professionals and members of indigenous communities in Australia are informed by a history of which we should be aware. It has had and continues to have consequences that include significant differences in the ways in which mental health needs are conceived and articulated. These, in turn, are consequential in terms of policy and practice.