Native American mental health concerns are complex, but by developing a deep understanding of cultural and historical contexts, it’s possible to challenge and overcome them. Native American nations are diverse, with unique languages, traditions, and perspectives on health and healing that can influence how we approach and address mental health care.
Explore some of the challenges Native Americans face regarding mental well-being and learn about how modern and traditional healing practices are coming together to best serve this population. We’ll also dive into culturally competent care and why it’s so crucial to improving the mental health of Native Americans.
Understanding The Historical Context
To understand the mental health challenges faced by Native American and tribal communities, we need to first dive into the historical context of the issue. Legacies of colonization, forced relocation, and cultural suppression have all left deep, painful scars that contribute to the intergenerational trauma communities must attempt to navigate. Putting together the historical context is crucial to being able to appreciate such resilience and strength in the face of adversity.
The legacy of trauma and its impact on mental health
In order to grasp the impact trauma has had on the well-being of Native Americans, you must be willing to acknowledge that it’s shaped the mental health care landscape in profound ways.
A systematic, cruel attempt to erase their cultures — through barbaric acts like boarding schools, colonization, forced relocation, and the devastation of tribal lands — has contributed to deep and lasting psychological scars. The pain and suffering past generations experienced continue to impact the mental health of Native Americans today.
Historical trauma like this can manifest in a variety of ways, including higher rates of:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Suicide risk
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Substance use and abuse
Research links the trauma Native Americans have experienced to higher rates in each of these areas compared to the general population.
“The need for cultural awareness for the Native American Community is very important. Seeking help outside of the Native American culture is not popular and may not be the first choice. Although there are many Native American nations throughout the United States with different traditions and languages, seeking mental health services with a non-tribal member can be a struggle for most. Trusting and finding rapport with those that have a knowledge of tribal beliefs, and their ancestral heritage are the best supports for the Native American community.”
– Talkspace therapist, Dr. Karmen Smith LCSW DD
The role of cultural identity in healing
Preserving cultural identity is not just a part of the healing process for Native American communities—it’s a cornerstone. Deep connections with their ancestors, heritage, language, and spiritual practice serve as a foundation for healing. By maintaining, supporting, or reviving cultural practices that promote mental health and well-being, nations can foster a collective resilience that goes beyond individual healing.
For example, the Navajo Nation uses song ceremonies to restore harmony and balance. The Lakota practice Inípi (sweat lodges) as a purification rite that cleanses the spirit and body, allowing seekers to experience spiritual rebirth.
Honoring cultural identity can enable Native communities to build and strengthen their mental well-being through methods and practices that are significant and meaningful to them.
Mental Health Challenges in Native American Communities
While Native American mental health challenges are largely rooted in their historical trauma, present-day issues are further compounding issues like increased violence, PTSD, risk of suicide, drug and alcohol abuse, and more.
Yet, despite a clear need for support, many barriers still exist for Native Americans trying to access critical services. Geographic isolation, cultural stigma, and healthcare disparities all create obstacles that can make it difficult to find help that will improve mental health care outcomes.
Common mental health issues across nations
Depression, anxiety, PTSD, risk of suicide, increased violence, and substance abuse are all prevalent across different communities. Some studies show that suicide rates for Native American populations are up to 50% higher than other populations. Other research suggests that the rate of suicide is higher for this population than any other minority group.
The research shows us that everything from anxiety to depression to substance abuse to PTSD is disproportionately higher in Native American populations, and this is especially true when we look at the Native American youth. This knowledge highlights the urgent need for comprehensive, accessible, affordable mental healthcare throughout these communities.
Barriers to accessing mental health services
Despite a clear need for mental health services, many Native American people today have barriers to care, including:
- Geographic isolation: Many tribal communities are in rural or remote areas with limited access to healthcare facilities and infrastructure.
- Shortage of culturally competent providers: Few mental health professionals have training in culturally sensitive care for Native American communities.
- Historical mistrust: A deep-rooted mistrust of the healthcare system, stemming from historical mistreatment and discrimination, often prevents individuals from seeking help.
- Stigma around therapy: Combined with mistrust, the stigma around therapy and seeking mental health support can discourage individuals from pursuing assistance.
“Creating a culturally sensitive environment for those of Native American Heritage starts with having them represented as therapists. Having a diverse staff and actively recruiting those from tribal backgrounds is far superior to offering training on the ancestral trauma and pain that is passed down through epigenetics, although that is a good training to have. The trauma that the Native Americans have experienced in the past continues today, but as a strong proud people, they remind us of their resilience.”
– Talkspace therapist, Dr. Karmen Smith LCSW DD
Traditional Healing Practices & Their Role in Mental Health
Traditional healing practices play a crucial role in the mental health and well-being of Native American communities. Their rituals are deeply embedded in their cultural and spiritual beliefs, and they take a holistic, natural approach to healing by addressing the body, spirit, and mind.
Native Americans use time-honored traditions—like guidance from their elders and medicine healers, ceremonial practices like talking circles or sweat lodges, herbal remedies, and more—to address mental health needs at both individual and community levels. Understanding and respecting this population’s rich cultural heritage and practices is crucial for supporting its mental well-being.
The importance of traditional healers and elders
Traditional healers — like tribal elders and medicine men and women — are highly esteemed in Native American community health practices. In fact, they’re frequently where people go first to seek help. With an in-depth understanding of the spiritual practices, herbal remedies, and common rituals that take place, it can be easier to provide culturally aligned healing and a combined approach that uses Indigenous mental health practices and contemporary practices.
When traditional healers work with modern mental health professionals to take a holistic approach to mental health, substantially more effective outcomes are possible.
Ceremonial practices and their healing power
Ceremonial practices have long been vital to spiritual healing in Native American communities. They can offer time and space for personal reflection and healing for those struggling with mental health. They also promote shared resilience throughout Native nations. Some common ceremonies include:
- Sweat Lodges: A purification ritual used for physical and emotional renewal, where sitting in a steam-filled lodge is believed to cleanse both body and spirit.
- Talking Circles: A supportive gathering where participants sit in a circle, sharing thoughts and emotions openly in a safe environment.
- Smudging: A ritual that involves burning sacred herbs like sage or sweetgrass to cleanse negative energy and promote peace and mental clarity.
Indigenous approaches to mindfulness and meditation
While mindfulness and meditation are more widely practiced in modern society, they’ve always been important for the mental health of Indigenous people who seek a connection between mindfulness and nature. Meditation promotes mental clarity and strategically reduces stress, making it an ideal tool for anyone with a mental health condition.
The Lakota and other nations use their connection to landforms and prayer as a foundation for mental well-being. Their practice revolves around remembering their place in the universe and the feeling connected to their ancestors.
Moving Forward: The Role of Culturally Competent Care
Seeking culturally sensitive therapy that respects Native Americans’ cultural background is crucial for achieving optimal outcomes and healing. Culturally sensitive care is based on the idea that it’s more effective to work with a mental health professional who acknowledges how historical trauma still impacts Native communities. If therapists can appreciate and be sensitive to critical cultural contexts, they can deepen trust and ensure more effective and respectful interactions.
Talkspace can be a valuable resource for Indigenous people seeking mental health support, especially for those living in rural areas with limited access to services. Online therapy expands the reach and potential to connect with a qualified, experienced therapist. Finding someone who offers support aligned with the values and experiences of Native communities can make all the difference in a person’s healing journey.
The accessibility of online therapy can help bridge the familiar gaps in Native American mental health practices. For those who face geographical isolation barriers or mistrust traditional healthcare settings, virtual therapy is an alternative that offers easy access to mental health care.
If you’re struggling with a mental health challenge, consider online therapy with Talkspace. You’ll be matched with a therapist who understands and respects your cultural values and unique history. Once you’re connected with a therapist, you can start to learn how to deal with trauma, anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns you’re experiencing.
