Strategies to Face Adversity: Health

Although health was not a major concern for most participants, some saw health as an important factor underlying resilience.

“I always believe that, you know, that an important factor is having a healthy body, you know, eating healthy, exercise, these help. Have a healthy lifestyle and also just being positive.”

rsz_18826scr-648x430Health was not considered important for most interviewed participants. Aboriginal people, generally older females, are usually concerned with other family members’ issues and tend to neglect their own wellbeing.

However, a small number of participants spoke of health as a factor in helping them face adversities. One participant believed he has always been able to bounce back due to his good health:

“You know because I have been able to bounce back because I have been fairly healthy you know I have looked after myself.”

Another participant believed having a healthy lifestyle is important:

“I always believe that, you know, that an important factor is having a healthy body, you know, eating healthy, exercise, these help. Have a healthy lifestyle and also just being positive.”

Another participant, like some others who were interviewed, spoke of certain family members; the following participant was concerned with the health of his older brother:

“…well you know he needs to move on because it’s not healthy for ya.”

Although health was not a major concern for most participants, there was some who saw health as an important factor in resilience. Being physically healthy better equipped individuals to face and conquer adversity.