Gerika Kingbird

3/29/2022

ANT 241 A

 Mental illness within indigenous people

Due to historical trauma, Indigenous people experience serious psychological distress 1.5 times more than the general population. The suicide rate is also very high within indigenous communities. Mental illness is a very touchy topic, and I would like to shed light on this topic to better understand, and address what resources are out there to help those who struggle. I am from Redby, Minnesota located on the Red Lake Chippewa reservation. There are several different resources on my reservation which are included in the hospital, schools, FCS, chemical health programs, etc. I interviewed a couple counselors in my community to better understand why people struggle with mental illnesses, what they do to help, and what resources and programs there are to offer for those who struggle with mental illnesses. The two individuals I chose to interview come from the school and family and children services, for the interview I asked them each 4 questions.

The first individual I interviewed is a wellness counselor for the Red Lake School District, her name is Jen Schoenborn. The first question I asked was “What are the most common symptoms and causes for someone who is mentally ill?” she replied and said, “Depression, Anxiety, Sadness, and grief are the most common symptoms. The most common problems are when they have disagreements or conflicts in one’s life. Another problem would also be anxiety.” The second question I asked was, “In what ways do you assist or help those who struggle with a mental illness?” She said, “By pointing the kids back to their well-being and sorting through their thoughts.” The third question I asked her was, “What different programs are offered on the reservation for those who struggle with a mental illness?” she replied, “There are many different resources, crisis hotlines: Behavioral Health (hospital) has a crisis hotline, Children’s mental health (Family and Children Services) also has a crisis line, Comp health also offers a crisis help line.” My final question was, “What do you believe is the most effective resource?” She said, “Us being there for them and traditional services.”

The second individual I interviewed is a mental health crisis coordinator at family and children services. The first question I asked her was, “What are the most common symptoms and causes for someone who is mentally ill?” she replied, “Many people deal with depression, personality disorders, and there are also those who have schizophrenia.” The second question I asked was, “In what ways do you assist or help those who struggle with a mental illness?” She replied, “By finding them mental health therapists and other resources to help them.” The third question I then asked her was, “What different resources and programs are offered?” She replied, “Crisis lines, Ombimindwaa, is a mental health support line for adults and children. The hospital also offers resources and medication for those who are struggling.” The final question I asked was, “What do you think is the most effective resource?” She replied, “The people around us, find cultural and traditional services the most helpful. Incorporating the 7 grandfather’s teachings. Referring our clients as relatives.”

There are many Native and Indigenous mental health resources out there. Some include websites to visit, resource centers, and hotlines. An example of a resource center would be WeRNative, it is a comprehensive health resource for Native Youth by Native youth, promoting health and growth in local communities and nation at large. StrongHearts Native Helpline (1-844-762-8483) is a confidential and anonymous culturally appropriate domestic violence and dating violence helpline for Native Americans. Tribal Health-Reaching Out InVolves Everyone (THRIVE), is a project committed to reducing suicide rates among American Indians and Alaskan Natives. Mental Health.gov is a national resource for teens and young adults to get resources, assistance, and information for mental health. Mental health starts with how you take care of yourself and your well-being. Staying active and doing something that betters yourself will also help with avoiding mental illnesses.

Mental illness is a very difficult topic to talk about because you never know what someone is struggling with. By interviewing these individuals and highlighting the resources out there to help, I believe it will give hope in those who struggle. Not everyone wants to open about the problems in their life, but they must realize that it will only be beneficial for them. There are people who care and will help, it’s okay to struggle but don’t be scared to ask for help. 

Works Cited

“Native & Indigenous Mental Health Resources.” Affirming Pathways Psychotherapy, https://www.affirmingpathways.com/native-indigenous-mental-health-resources.