If you or someone you know requires mental health resources and support, please call, text, or chat with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or visit 988lifeline.org for 24/7 access to free, confidential services. Visit webelong988.com to learn more about this essential resource.

For many, the holiday season is filled with joy; however, it can also be a challenging period for others. The extended darkness and chill of winter often lead to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that typically arises during specific seasons, especially winter.

In some Indigenous communities, the complications associated with seasonal changes are only a small piece of a much larger puzzle.

As a member of the Sac and Fox Nation and a consultant focused on behavioral health and substance use prevention, I have seen the profound effects of historical trauma, resource scarcity, and inequality within tribal communities. These ongoing challenges have seriously impacted our overall health and well-being.

High rates of mental health disorders among Native Americans and Alaska Natives

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Native Americans and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) experience some of the highest rates of mental health disorders in the U.S.

We face significantly higher rates of depression and suicide compared to other demographic groups, with AI/AN youth facing suicide rates nearly double the national average.

Throughout the years, I have seen many individuals in my community try to endure hardships on their own when what they truly need is support from others. I have also felt the urge to withdraw – often, our natural instinct when struggling is to avoid seeking assistance. What if revealing our vulnerabilities leads to judgment, denial, or, even worse, indifference?

This year, the Association of American Indian Physicians (AAIP) conducted a survey at a community event organized by the Sac and Fox Nation. Almost 67% of those surveyed indicated that fear of stigma or judgment around mental health inhibited community members from seeking assistance.

Isolation is not the solution for mental health issues

However, retreating into isolation is not the solution, especially during tough times.

When anyone within our community suffers, we all feel the pain. Conversely, when someone seeks help, there is always someone ready to lend their strength.

While each Native American group has a distinct heritage, one commonality we share is our connection and care for one another. In the recent Sac and Fox survey, an overwhelming 83% of respondents expressed the significance of talking with someone who shares their background during times of crisis.

As a community, let’s break the silence and acknowledge that it’s acceptable not to be okay. There is power in reaching out for help.

AAIP and Sac and Fox Nation collaborate to promote awareness of 988

That’s why the AAIP and the Sac and Fox Nation are teaming up to raise awareness about an essential mental health resource – 988: a free, confidential support line.

Whether you’re facing a serious emotional crisis, trying to help a loved one, or simply need someone to talk to, reaching out to 988 will connect you with a trained counselor who can provide assistance.

The lifeline is accessible 24/7, guaranteeing that help is always a phone call or text away, regardless of the time.

Native communities often harbor valid mistrust toward public resources, stemming from a history of systemic discrimination and broken promises. This distrust can hinder individuals from seeking the help they need, even when it’s available.

In recognition of this, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is designed to be free, confidential, and accessible to everyone.

To meet cultural needs more effectively, initiatives are being developed to create specific lifelines within tribal communities.

Various programs are available for people to connect with counselors who have tribal backgrounds. These efforts are currently being implemented in multiple states, making mental health resources more accessible and culturally relevant for Native communities.

The Association of American Indian Physicians (AAIP) and other organizations in Oklahoma are actively promoting important mental health resources like 988 for our Indigenous people. While winter can be a challenging period for some, sharing this time together allows us to find light even in the dark.

Melanie Johnson (Sac and Fox Nation) serves as a consultant for behavioral and substance use prevention at the Association of American Indian Physicians (AAIP). This article was originally published in The Oklahoman.