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American Indian and Alaska Native adults have the highest prevalence of mental illness, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Recent violent tragedies in the news have sparked a new conversation about mental health in the United States. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experience some type of mental health event each year. Talking about mental health isn’t always easy. It may not be a common conversation around the dinner table, but are adults seeking the treatment they need? What can be done to eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness?

Guests:

Dr. Art Martinez (Chumash) – clinical psychologist at the Shingle Springs Tribal Health Program

Melissa Merrick – clinical director of the behavioral health integration at the Southcentral Foundation

Carolyn Lukensmeyer  – executive director for the National Institute for Civil Discourse

 

Mentioned on the Show: 

National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK)

Talk Txt Act (text: 89800 and type  the message “start”)

Break Music: Stomp Dance (song) George Hunter (artist) Haven (album)