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Host: Shawn Spruce
Modern medicine relies heavily on pharmaceutical remedies for many mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. But there is some evidence that traditional ceremony and cultural connections can also provide a measure of healing. There is hope that adherence to traditional methods might be part of a regimen to improve the outsized representation of Native people for outcomes such as suicide and substance abuse. They may even be linked to improving some physical health maladies.
GUESTS
Dr. Joseph Gone (A’aniiih Gros Ventre), professor of anthropology and global health & social medicine at Harvard University, clinical community psychologist, and president of the Society of Indian Psychologists
Dr. Melissa Lewis (Cherokee), assistant professor at University of Missouri
Jonathan Tsosie (Navajo), first year UNM medical student
Break music: Intertribal (song) Tha Tribe (artist) Woodland Groove (album)
It was a great show yesterday, as always. Shawn, you did a great job with the questions for the 3 panelists who each brought a very unique perspective.
I wonder if the concept of “integrating traditional Native American culture” with Anglo culture is appropriate given colonialization and the predatory character of Anglo culture. I have worked in Anglo oriented mental health facilities in NM. There are no DSM-5s for very good reasons in traditional ceremony. At one point in one facility, there was a traditional sweat lodge that was taken down when the pourer left the facility’s employment. Jonathan begins to present the holistic and community approach without saying so in depth. Personally, I have run with traditionals in ceremony and recovery and seen personal growth of myself and others through ceremony. While there is no general rule that can be applied in all places, urban and rural, there are trusted relations that can significantly impact on therapy and ceremony. Likewise, Native lands present distinct opportunities for grounding and balance needed for folks. It can also be noted that personal experiences are not defined the same by Anglos versus the understandings of traditionals. Please accept these words as you find them helpful.