What First Nations People Know About Wellbeing That We Don't

What First Nations People Know About Wellbeing That We Don't

From But Are You Happy? by Mamamia Podcasts

July 3, 2026 · 49 min

About this episode

The episode explores First Nations perspectives on wellbeing, emphasizing connection and community in mental health.

Have you ever wondered why modern life can leave us feeling so disconnected, even when we're doing everything we're told should make us feel well? This NAIDOC Week, But Are You Happy? explores a different way of understanding mental health — one grounded in connection, community and relationships rather than simply treating illness. In this episode, host Ashani Dante is joined by proud Gamilaraay man, psychologist and Director of First Nations Strategy at the Black Dog Institute, Dr Clinton Schultz. Together, they unpack what First Nations perspectives on social and emotional wellbeing can teach all of us about living healthier, more connected lives. Clinton shares his own extraordinary journey from childhood trauma and addiction to becoming one of Australia's leading voices on First Nations mental health. He explains why Aboriginal concepts of wellbeing begin with relationships — to ourselves, to each other, to Country and to community — and why those connections have been central to keeping First Nations peoples strong for tens of thousands of years. The conversation also explores the often unseen impact of racism on mental health, why repeated experiences of…

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