What’s everyone talking about? Mental Health 

Since the start of the pandemic, more and more people are talking about mental health. An increasing number of folks are starting to see it for what it is: one very important component of your overall health and well-being, just like your physical health. However, mental health conditions, resources, and conversations can still feel complicated and out of reach.  

Are there common warning signs for mental health conditions or crises? Specific factors that can lead to mental health conditions or even crises? What resources are out there – and how do I know if they’re right for me?  

Many people are learning about mental health topics for the first time. Having a widespread understanding of the topic can help you be more informed if you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health condition or crisis. Around half of people in the U.S. will meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental health condition at some point in their life, so everyone should know what to look out for.  

Everyone should have the support needed to thrive. Communities that have been historically and presently oppressed face a deeper mental health burden because of the added impact of trauma, oppression, and harm.  

There’s often no one single cause for a mental health condition. Instead, there are many possible risk factors that can influence how likely a person is to experience a mental health condition or how serious the symptoms may be.  

Some risk factors for mental health conditions include the following: trauma, which can be a one-time event or ongoing; your environment and how it impacts your health and quality of life (also known as social determinants of health like financial stability and health care access); genetics; brain chemistry; and your habits and lifestyle — such as a lack of sleep.  

Of course, understanding the risk factors for a mental health condition can be more difficult when it’s your own mental health. Take time to ask yourself about your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to see if this is part of a pattern that may be caused by a mental health condition.  

Here are some questions to get you started:  

• Have things that used to feel easy started feeling difficult?  
• Does the idea of doing daily tasks like making your bed now feel really hard?  
• Have you lost interest in activities and hobbies you used to enjoy?  
• Do you feel irritated, possibly to the point of lashing out at people you care about?  

Our society focuses much more on physical health than mental health, but both are equally important. If you are concerned about your mental health, there are several options available. You are not alone – help is out there, and recovery is possible. It may be hard to talk about your concerns, but simply acknowledging to yourself that you’re struggling is a really big step.  

Wondering? Take a Mental Health Test 

Taking a screen at mhascreening.org can help you to better understand what you are experiencing and get helpful resources. After the screening, consider talking to someone you trust about your results, and seek out a professional to find the support you need. Think about sitting down with your family and friends who might also like to talk about their mental health and take the test together.  

While you may not need this information today, knowing the basics about mental health will mean you’re prepared if you ever need it. Go to mhanational.org/may to learn more. You can also reach out to the Southern Ute Behavioral Health Division at 970-563-5700 to talk about taking a screening in-person or if you have questions about mental health challenges and support. 

If you need to talk to someone, please reach out. 

It’s okay not to feel okay. If you or someone you know has been struggling with their emotions, behaviors, or substance use please reach out to us. We can help you find appropriate tools and services that could help you overcome obstacles in your life. We are here for you. Please contact the Southern Ute Behavioral Health Division or the Native Connections Program at 970-563-5700 for more information or to set up an appointment to see a counselor or therapist.  

You can also reach out to the Colorado Crisis Line at anytime, anywhere, for a mental health or substance use challenge. 844-493-8255 or Text “TALK” to 38255. You’ll immediately be put in contact with a trained counselor, ready to text with you about anything. 

References 

Mental Health America, (2022). Back To Basics: Practical Mental Health Information Retrieved from https://screening.mhanational.org/diy/  

Local Resources 

• Southern Ute Health Center Behavioral Health Division: 4101 CR 222 Durango, Co 970-563-5700. For local Native Americans. We are here to support mental health, substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery. Please call to schedule an appointment to talk to someone.   
• Southern Ute Division of Social Services: 116 Capote Drive, Ignacio, CO 970-563-2331 or dss@southernute-nsn.gov for local Native Americans needing assistance with child welfare needs and family support.  
• Southern Ute Police Department: Anonymous Tip Hotline Do you have information about a crime? Please call 970-563-4999. This “Tip Line” was designed to allow you the ability to provide law enforcement with information, anonymously, if need be, regarding criminal, drug, or suspicious activity. The “Tip Line” is monitored around the clock by SUPD Investigators, but it DOES NOT replace 9-1-1 or the non-emergency police number 970-563-4401. 
• St Ignatius Catholic Church: Pastor Cesar Arras, 14826 CO-172, Ignacio, CO 970-563-4241. 
• Ignacio Community Church: Pastor Randall Haynes 405 Browning Ave, Ignacio, CO (currently located inside ELHI) 970-759-3633  
• Second Wind Fund of the Four Corners: Believes that every child and youth at risk of suicide should have access to the mental health treatment they need. We match children and youth at risk for suicide with licensed therapists in their communities, 720-962-0706. 
• Women’s Resource Center: Creates personal, social, and professional growth opportunities for all women in La Plata County, 970-247-1242.

24/7 State or National Resources   

• Colorado Crisis Line: 844-493-8255 or Text “TALK” to 38255. You’ll immediately be put in contact with a trained counselor, ready to text with you about anything. 
• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Has both an online chat and 24/7 phone line at 1-800-273-8255 if you are thinking of suicide or need help for a loved one. 
• The Trevor Project which seeks to serve LGBT youth, has a 24/7 suicide prevention line at 866-488-7386. 
• We-R-Native:  Join the movement by liking them on Facebook (www facebook  com/weRnative), signing up for the text messaging service (text NATIVE to 24587).