MHFA Be Well Multicultural Webinar Series - 4 May 2022, 1:00pm - 2:00pm (AEST)

Trauma and Mental Health Webinar in Greek: Educating and Supporting Greek-speaking Communities

Australia is a culturally diverse country. In Victoria, about half of the residents speak language other than English. The population of
multicultural communities, immigrants and refugees from different countries will continue to raise issues for all mental health services
in the coming future.

More than a quarter (28%) of the Australian population are first generation Australian born overseas. The best evidence is that
newcomers bring that country of origins attitudes and prejudices to mental illness with them. Illness & suicide rates appear to be
consistent with their country of origin, although more research needs to be done.

However, people from multicultural backgrounds may be at greater risk of experiencing mental health difficulties and suicide and
face barriers to accessing services and supports. Those who do not speak English, including the most recently arrived, refugees and
asylum seekers may be more vulnerable to risk factors.

With that the Mental Health Foundation Australia, aims to raise awareness about mental health issues in different languages for the communities. We are starting off the series with a webinar presentation in Greek.

About the presenter - Dr. Christine Deftereos

Dr. Christine Deftereos is a Social Theorist based in Melbourne Australia whose writings explore the relationship between self and society. Her research interests take place at the intersection between contemporary social and political criticism, psychoanalytic theory and the politics of selfhood. With a specialized interest in postcolonial identities, trauma, memory and South Asian politics, her work also explores processes of identification and the limits of identity politics. Christine has taught at The University of Melbourne in Politics, Sociology, Social Theory and Foundation Studies programs.