Being on Country
Many of our mob feel better when they spend time on Country. For those who can’t be on their own ancestors’ Country, being among other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and community and near the bush or water or around a camp fire helps. It’s important to make time for connection. Local Elders and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health workers can help you if you are away from your Country.
Talking to others like you
It can help to talk to others who have been through a cancer journey, or who are going through it. To find help from mob:
- check your local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled (ACCHO) health service
- yarn with doctor, nurse or Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health worker or the hospital Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health worker liaison officer to link you up with a support group or counsellor
- call the Cancer Council on 13 11 20.
How to ask for help?
It can be hard to ask for help to cope with how you’re feeling. But there’s no shame job in yarning about your feelings and thoughts Here are some words you could use:
- Can’t sleep: “I can’t sleep, I'm too worried. Can I yarn with you?”
- Not coping: “I want some help with how to cope with all this. Are there helplines or places I can go to get some help?”
- Overwhelmed: “It’s all too much for me. Is there someone who can help me sort out what to do next?”
- Sadness: ”All this making me feel sad. Can I yarn with you about what happening?”
If you ask, people will help. And if you don’t get the help you think you need, ask someone else and keep trying because things will come together for you, like they have for other mob going through the cancer journey.