September is Suicide Prevention Month. Here's a List of Native Focused Mental Health Resources.
National Suicide Prevention Month is recognized annually during the month of September to raise awareness about suicide prevention and treatment, as well as the warning signs and how to get help when it is needed most.
The suicide rate in the United States has been rising for decades, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Native communities experience higher rates of suicide compared to all other racial and ethnic groups in the U.S., being the eighth leading cause of death for all American Indian and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) across all ages, according to the National Indian Council on Aging.
When talking about mental health, suicide, or any other health issue in the Native American community, it’s important to note and acknowledge the historic trauma Indigenous communities face that has resulted in AI/AN people experiencing poorer health and socioeconomic outcomes.
It is encouraged to also learn the warning signs of suicide. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), warning signs of suicide include:
Increased substance use and abuse
Feelings of emptiness, hopelessness or being trapped
Significant mood swings
Talk of wanting to die or being a burden
Withdrawal from friends and relatives
Feelings of intense guilt or shame
Making a plan or researching ways to die
Eating or sleeping more or less
Acting impulsively or recklessly
Even when care can be accessed, it can be unhelpful in addressing the distress of Indigenous people, if not harmful, by perpetuating a negative view of their culture and themselves. For this reason, it is important for care providers to also understand culturally competent care and include suggestions on connecting that individual to their community as part of treatment.
If you don’t have a health professional who can assist you, below is a list of federal agencies, organizations, articles, training materials, and resources on AI/AN suicide prevention.
Federal Resources
Indian Health Services (IHS) Division of Behavioral Health
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Tribal Affairs
American Indian and Alaska Native Organizations
Suicide Prevention Resource Center American Indian and Alaska Native Website
Center for Native American Youth
American Indian Institute at the University of Oklahoma
Suicide Prevention Organizations
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Suicide Prevention Resource Center
AI/AN Suicide Prevention Publications and Resources
Restoring Balance-Community Readiness
Northwest Suicide Prevention Tribal Action Plan
The AI/AN Suicide Prevention Strategic Plan 2011-2015
If you or someone close to you are in need of support, you can call, text, or chat with 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which provides 24/7, free and confidential support.
About the Author: "Kaili Berg (Aleut) is a member of the Alutiiq\/Sugpiaq Nation, and a shareholder of Koniag, Inc. She is a staff reporter for Native News Online and Tribal Business News. Berg, who is based in Wisconsin, previously reported for the Ho-Chunk Nation newspaper, Hocak Worak. She went to school originally for nursing, but changed her major after finding her passion in communications at Western Technical College in Lacrosse, Wisconsin. "
Contact: kberg@indiancountrymedia.com
