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Mental Health and the Indigenous Community
For more information and resources please visit: www.mhanational.org
Cultural Factors and Mental Health in Indigenous Communities
Many Native/Indigenous tribes embrace a worldview that encompasses the notions of connectedness (with the past and with others), strong family bonds, adaptability, oneness with nature, wisdom of elders, meaningful traditions and strong spirit that may serve as protective factors when it comes to mental health.
Native/Indigenous people in America report experiencing serious psychological distress 2.5 times more than the general population over a month’s time.
The concept of mental illness and beliefs about why and how it develops have many different meanings and interpretations among Native/Indigenous people. Physical complaints and psychological concerns are not distinguished, and Native/Indigenous people may express emotional distress in ways that are not consistent with standard diagnostic categories.
Native/Indigenous people are much more likely to seek help from a spiritual and/or traditional healer than from specialty or other medical sources. Moreover, due to high levels of poverty, many Native/Indigenous people in America face economic barriers that prevent them from receiving treatment. Lack of awareness about mental health issues and services that are available and a lack of programs and providers that are sensitive to native and indigenous culture can prevent Native/Indigenous people from receiving treatment.
Educational and Support Resources
Indigenous Circle of Wellness - So Oh Shinali Sister Project
Indigenous Circle of Wellness is a private practice with a nonprofit organization project called the So Oh Shinali Sister Project. Services offered include mental wellness, K-12 education, trainings, workshops, holistic healing, suicide prevention/harm reduction, community engagement, support groups, and consultations.
Link to Main Page: https://icowellness.com
Access to Nonprofit Sister Project: https://icowellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/SSSP-Training-Guide-07-08.pdf
United American Indian Involvement
UAII aims to support the physical, behavioral and spiritual well- being of American Indian/Alaska Natives in the urban Los Angeles area by providing comprehensive, integrated services that focus on all age groups. All services will integrate traditions, practices & beliefs, be culturally sensitive and respectful of American Indian/Alaska Native tribal affiliation. Services include senior services, physical health, substance use, behavioral & mental health, youth services, and workforce/training.
Southern California Indian Center
SCIC is a nonprofit community-based organization dedicated to serving the American Indian, Alaskan Native, and Native Hawaiian communities of Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside Counties. SCIC provides much needed support and assistance in the areas of workforce development, youth education, family support, multimedia training, food banks, and much more.
American Indian Changing Spirits
AICS is a nonprofit Residential Recovery Program targeting American Indian men and women who suffer from alcohol and/or drug addiction. AICS aims to provide culturally relevant, community-based outreach and education, with evidence-based recovery. AICS caters to Native American men and women, over 18 years of age who have a desire to recover from alcohol or drug addiction.
Southern California American Indian Resource Center
SCAIR is a non-profit community-based tribal organization that provides career, educational, cultural, mental health and supportive services to Native Americans/ Alaska Natives/ Hawaiian Natives and their families.
Native Teen Talkers Program
The Native Teen Talkers Program provides life, personal, educational and career mentoring Services to Native American teenagers (ages 12-18). Topics that may be addressed include: self-esteem and body image, peer pressure, drug and alcohol prevention, smoking cessation, personal relationships and healthy choices, blended and divorcing/separated families, grief and loss issues, and educational and career decisions.
Counseling Center Hotline: (619) 328-0676 EXT. 215
Reading Recommendations
Sovereign Erotics: A Collection of Two-Spirit Literature by Qwo-LI Driskill
NDN Coping Mechanisms: Notes From the Field by Billy-Ray Belcourt
Why Indigenous Literatures Matter by Daniel Heath Justice
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