Authors: Donna Grandbois

Publication Year: 2005

Last Updated: 2015-10-14

Journal: Issues in Mental Health Nursing

Keywords: Mental illness, American Indian, Alaska Native, mental health, stigma, historical trauma, disparities, poverty

Abstract:

Among American Indian and Alaska Native (AlAN) people, the concept of mental illness has different meanings and is interpreted in various ways. This paper describes the realities of mental health care that confront AlAN people. Stigma is associated with mental illness, which can be a barrier for those individuals who are in need of mental health services. Within the context of the AlAN historical and contemporary experiences, the paper details domains that negatively influence the lives of AlAN people. Included are the failure of the U.S. government to fulfill its treaty agreements with AlAN people: the disparities in income and education, and the pervasiveness of poverty; and access to care issues. These domains help to set the stage for health disparities that frequently catapult AlAN people to early morbidity and mortality. Importantly, many of these conditions are preventable. The paper concludes with recommerulations for a more diverse workforce that will include AlAN mental health professionals who are available to provide culturally competent care to AlAN people in a variety of settings.

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