Reversing the crisis

Your contribution helps build a network of Aboriginal psychologists through the Jilya Institute for Indigenous Mental Health.

There's a crisis happening in Australia - and each year it is getting worse.

Aboriginal adults die by suicide at twice the rate of non-Aboriginal people. Heartbreakingly, Aboriginal children die at four times the rate.

Despite this epidemic, there's a shocking lack of culturally-appropriate mental health services available. We need more Aboriginal psychologists, especially in the communities most affected.

Generational trauma can only be healed by those who can empathise fully - which is why the Jilya Institute for Indigenous Mental Health is creating a new way forward.

This is my path

I'm giving up

There's no way

I'll rise out of the pain

This is my life

I'm walkin in two worlds

I don't belong to neither

Confusion and self-hate…

They're a part of me

I know deep down

I should be proud

I come from wisdom and warriors

Healers and storytellers

But something follows me every step I take

I know them well

Loneliness and trauma…

These feelings are generational

Buried in my spirit like an echo

This is who I am

I'm made from this hard earth

My land and culture got washed away

So don't tell me

There's a power inside of me

I didn't know

Feeling lost

I'm not

Walking in the right direction

Nah, my country tells me I'm

Voiceless

That I'm worthless

That I belong in chains

My mental health is a shame

It's a lie to say that

There's a mob who can help me and

I can talk about these feelings

It's time to say goodbye to this life

I no longer think that

I'm gonna keep fighting

This is the moment

This is my path

I'm giving up

There's no way

I'll rise out of the pain

This is my life

I'm walkin in two worlds

I don't belong to neither

Confusion and self-hate…

They're a part of me

I know deep down

I should be proud

I come from wisdom and warriors

Healers and storytellers

But something follows me every step I take

I know them well

Loneliness and trauma…

These feelings are generational

Buried in my spirit like an echo

This is who I am

I'm made from this hard earth

My land and culture got washed away

So don't tell me

There's a power inside of me

I didn't know

Feeling lost

I'm not

Walking in the right direction

Nah, my country tells me I'm

Voiceless

That I'm worthless

That I belong in chains

My mental health is a shame

It's a lie to say that

There's a mob who can help me and

I can talk about these feelings

It's time to say goodbye to this life

I no longer think that

I'm gonna keep fighting

This is the moment

This is my path

Drag to read the poem

For too long, external entities have tried to 'fix' problems facing Aboriginal communities.

But the knowledge, power, and pride of those cultures is the path to a brighter future.

Empower Aboriginal futures

The Westerman Jilya Institute for Indigenous Mental Health (“Jilya”) is building an army of Indigenous psychologists to support their communities. Jilya is Indigenous-led and so far has supported 64 students with 17 graduating; and 7 more to graduate in 2025. We won't stop until we have thousands, all across the country.

Your donation directly supports culturally appropriate mental health services and saves lives.

The Change Direction Initiative

Being an ally means listening to Aboriginal voices and elevating those stories.

We've heard those voices - Aboriginal psychologists, educators, creatives, advocates, young people. And they've shared with us stories of crisis, and stories of healing.

The Change Direction initiative is an effort to share these stories of struggle, but also of hope - with an aim of showing our nation a new path. A path toward positive futures.

Support Services

If you're feeling unsafe, worried about harming yourself or the safety of someone else, there's support for you.

For emergencies, always dial 000.

13 YARN

13 92 76

Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter.

Lifeline

13 11 14

Crisis support and suicide prevention service.

Kids Helpline

1800 55 1800

Counselling service for young people aged between 5-25 years.

Suicide Call Back Service

1300 659 497

24/7 support.

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands on which we live and work. We pay our respects to Indigenous Elders past, present and emerging. Sovereignty has never been ceded.

It always was and always will be, Aboriginal land.

Reversing the crisis

Empower Aboriginal futures

The Change Direction Initiative

Support Services

Partners