How to cope with shame job

ReachOut Content Team
Published 05 September 2023

This comic was produced in partnership with Studio Gilay.

The feelings that come along with shame job can be pretty hard to deal with – whether it's over something to do with culture and law, bullying and racism, or not knowing who your mob is or where you come from.

But as you’ll see here, there are some really helpful ways of coping with shame job, getting the support you need, and working on overcoming those feelings that might be holding you back.

An 8 panel comic featuring First Nations characters experiencing shame job.

Download a transcript of this comic.

Reach out to your mob and talk about your experiences.

Quick tips for coping with shame job:

  • Show yourself some love. Feeling shame job is never easy, so start by giving yourself a little break. You could try practising positive self-talk or thinking about the things you like about yourself.

  • Spend time in nature. Getting out in nature can be a great way to connect with Country, boost your mental health and wellbeing, find some space to reflect, or just hang out with friends and family.

  • Have a yarn with mob. Reaching out and having a yarn with mob can make a big difference, even if you’re just looking for someone to listen to you and acknowledge what you’re going through.

  • Chat with your Elders. This can be a great way to build connections with your culture and boost your sense of pride and belonging. They have a lifetime of experience and wisdom to share.

What can I do now?

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        We acknowledge the traditional owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and to Elders past and present. We recognise connection to Country as integral to health and wellbeing.

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        ReachOut values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.

              Aboriginal flagTorres Strait islander flagRainbow flagAustralian flag

              We acknowledge the traditional owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and to Elders past and present. We recognise connection to Country as integral to health and wellbeing.

              We acknowledge people with lived experience of mental ill-health and recovery and the experience of people who have been carers, families, or supporters.

              ReachOut values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.

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