Mental Health

Minority Women's Health > American Indians/Alaska Natives > Health Topics > Mental Health

There is limited data on mental health problems in American Indian/Alaska Native women. But one study of American Indian/Alaska Native women by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) found that they were over three times as likely as white women to have had serious mental distress in the last month.

Suicide is a major problem for young American Indians/Alaska Natives. American Indians/Alaska Natives have the highest rates of suicide in the 15 to 24 age group.

Mental health disorders are real and serious illnesses that can be treated. If you think you have a mental illness, talk to your doctor or a trusted family member or friend who can help you find treatment. You are not alone. If you or someone you know feels suicidal, call 911, 1-800-SUICIDE, or the number of a suicide crisis center (you can find the number in your phone book) to talk about it.

Publications

1.   American Indian Health - This web site is an information portal for and about the health of native peoples of the United States.

   http://americanindianhealth.nlm.nih.gov/

2.   Housing Options for People with Mental Illness - This publication provides information on where people suffering from severe mental illness can get help with finding housing.

   http://www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/publications/allpubs/ken98-0048/default.asp

3.   How to Pay For Mental Health Services - The cost of mental health services is a financial challenge for just about everyone. This fact sheet discusses ways to pay for care and suggests resources for people who need more information.

   http://www.mentalhealth.org/publications/allpubs/ken98-0050/default.asp

4.   Mental Health Services Locator - This internet site can help you locate mental health treatment facilities and support services in your state.

   http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/databases/default.asp

5.   American Indian and Alaska Native Communities Mental Health Facts (Copyright © NAMI) - This publication provides information on how mental illness affects American Indians and Alaska Natives.

   http://www.nami.org/Content/ContentGroups/MIO/Fact_Sheets1/American_Indian_MH_Dis...

6. Facts about Stigma and Mental Illness in Diverse Communities (Copyright © NAMI) - This publication explains what stigma is, what it has to do with mental illness, and how it affects minorities. It also gives steps you can take to prevent the stigma of mental illness.

   http://www.nami.org/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm?ContentFileID=5148

7. Questions about the Mental Health of American Indian and Alaska Natives (Copyright © APA) - Find out the answers to common questions about the mental health of American Indians and Alaskan Natives from a mental health professional.

   http://healthyminds.org/expertopinion06.cfm

Organizations

1.   National Mental Health Information Center, SAMHSA, HHS
2.   Office of Minority Health, OPHS, OS, HHS
3.   Resource Center to Address Discrimination and Stigma (ADS Center), SAMHSA, HHS
4. American Indian/Alaska Native National Resource Center for Substance Abuse
5. National Alliance on Mental Illness
6. National Center for American Indian and Alaska Native Mental Health Research

= Indicates Federal Resources

Current as of December 2007