How stigma, discrimination and racism affect wellbeing
Research explored the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Queensland. It looked at the impact of stigma and discrimination related to alcohol and other drug use.
The research found that stigma, discrimination and racism can:
- affect wellbeing
- create barriers to support services
- contribute to harmful stereotypes.
The findings highlighted the need to:
- reduce racism and discrimination
- improve access to alcohol and other drug support services
- strengthen social and emotional wellbeing.
Read the Don't Judge, and Listen report on stigma and discrimination.
What the research found
Participants reported experiencing different forms of stigma and discrimination related to:
- race
- family or clan connections
- where they lived
- alcohol and other drug use.
The research found that:
- racism contributes to harmful stereotypes about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- people often felt judged when accessing mainstream services
- mainstream services did not always understand the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- many people could not access support for mental health and alcohol and other drug concerns when they needed it
- strong family and kinship connections, stable housing and financial security helped reduce the impacts of racism
- Elders played an important role in supporting healing and helping communities respond to trauma.
How services and systems can improve
Participants identified several ways to improve services and wellbeing outcomes, including:
- increasing cultural capability and anti-racism training for staff in mainstream services
- improving access to non-emergency and early intervention services
- providing more support for people with low to moderate support needs
- strengthening continuity of care and supporting culturally informed healing approaches
- improving access to community-based and outreach services
- increasing transparency and accountability in funding for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services
- supporting workforce development, career pathways and trauma-informed practice.
Working with communities to improve wellbeing
The research highlighted the importance of involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, families and communities in decisions that affect them.
Working in partnership with communities helps ensure initiatives are culturally informed, locally relevant and responsive to community needs. This supports better access to services and improved social and emotional wellbeing outcomes.
Learn about our First Nations wellbeing activities.
Related information
Learn about stigma and discrimination.
Learn about alcohol and other drugs stigma.