From StrongHearts Native
Helpline
The outbreak of
coronavirus earlier this year left many mental health professionals concerned
that stay-at-home orders and other safety measures designed to protect citizens
from the pandemic could cause
an increase in mental health issues.
Unfortunately, mental health disorders and access to mental health care has
been an ongoing struggle for Native Americans. With the additional mental drain
resulting from the virus’ spread, it’s important now more than ever to support
our relatives by understanding mental health and how it disproportionately
impacts our communities.
Education
The first step in
supporting people who struggle with their mental health is to educate yourself
on how mental health disorders develop and how their development can impact
every facet of a person’s life. Experts are not entirely sure what can cause
mental health disorders. However, the consensus is that a mixture of genetics,
environmental factors, and traumas like war, intimate partner violence, or
child sexual abuse can result in lifelong mental health struggles. Native
American communities specifically have to contend with historical
trauma, which is defined as cumulative
emotional and psychological wounding over one’s lifetime and from generation to
generation following the loss of lives, land, and vital aspects of culture.
According to Mental Health America, over 21%
of Native Americans had a diagnosable mental health disorder in the past year, totaling over 830,000.
Effects
The effects of these mental
health disorders can be devastating to individuals and the Native American
community as a whole. Having a serious mental health disorder can reduce
an individual's life expectancy by 10 to 20 years, as depression and high levels of psychological stress may result in
increased rates of heart disease, diabetes, and even an increased risk of
cancer. Difficulty regulating emotional health can also destroy a person’s
ability to cope with the stresses of everyday life, including maintaining
friendships and supporting a family.
Impact
The impact of fractured
familial bonds on our communities has been and continues to be significant. For
decades, our children were removed from their homes and stolen from their
families to be re-educated at boarding schools. At these schools, many children were
victims of institutional abuse, including regular
beatings, sexual abuse, and punishment for practicing any kind of activities
that contributed to the survival of their own culture. This complete
disruption of Native American family life and culture fostered the same kind of historical trauma that mass violence and
persecution caused earlier generations. The separation of children from their
families and their culture has lasting effects on the mental health of Native
Americans to this day.
Resources
Now in this time of
national crisis, these mental health struggles are even more important to
highlight. Everyone – including our peoples – should be especially mindful of
how the stresses of the pandemic could affect their mental well-being and the
well-being of their communities.
These resources are
available for anyone struggling with their mental health:(click links)
The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. 1-800-273-8255.
StrongHearts is a safe,
anonymous and confidential domestic, dating and sexual violence helpline that
offers culturally-appropriate support and advocacy for American Indians and
Alaska Natives. If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic, dating or
sexual violence or if you have questions about your behavior, help is
available.
For one-on-one advocacy, click on the Chat Now icon at https://www.strongheartshelpline.org/ or call 1-844-7NATIVE (762-8483). Advocates are available
daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. CT.
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