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The Indian Health Service finds Native Americans and Alaska Natives are two and a half times more likely to report serious psychological distress than other populations. Psychiatry experts say intergenerational trauma may be one factor. There are steps both employers and employees can do to avoid the effects of stress and burnout in the office. There are additional steps that may be beneficial specifically for Native employees. On World Mental Health Day, we’ll find out ways to build a healthy workplace.
GUESTS
Dr. Jillian Fish (Tuscarora Nation of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy), owner of Fish Psychotherapy & Consulting and professor in the Department of Psychology at Macalester College
Haley Laughter (Diné), owner of Hozho Total Wellness
D.J. Eagle Bear Vanas (Odawa Nation), motivational storyteller; host of the PBS special, Discovering your Warrior Spirit; and author of Warrior Within published by Penguin Random House
Break 1 Music: Too Bad for Me (song) Janet Panic (artist) A Mighty Rip Through the Page of My Life (album)
Break 2 Music: Butterfly Wings (song) Midnight Sparrows (artist) Born in the City (album)
Spending time outdoors is easier said than done. I was on the Wind River Reservation today (technically I’m writing this from a border town that was stolen from the two nations who reside there) and within the last couple weeks. There has been a massive wildfire polluting the air to an insane degree—for two months straight.
A couple weeks ago I was almost mauled to death by Rez dogs (which has also happened to me outside of this Reservation too so it’s not just a Rez problem). How are people supposed to get or stay healthy by going for a walk outside when you can’t breathe and there’s a good chance you might become hospitalized?
I don’t mean these questions as snarky, but sincere.