Tuesday, September 10, 2024
9/10/2024
Abstract Suicidal behavior is a leading cause of injury and death worldwide. Suicide and suicide related behavior disproportionately affects AI/AN and young indigenous men have the greatest risk.1 Recent studies of suicidal behaviors in AI/AN communities resulted in realization of diverse motivations and meanings for suicidal behavioral across cultural divides leading to the need for culturally specific interventions.23 Studies are showing an association between suicide and community-level factors, such as social disorganization, culture loss, and a collective suffering.45 The cultural misalignment of normative mental health treatment of suicide is in stark contrast to AI/AN understandings. In recent years, more information has come to light which addresses the aspects of suicide prevention being a loss of self through colonization of the US. Suicide within Native communities often stems from historical, cultural, community and family disruptions. To begin to understand the suicide, you must consider the aspects of historical oppression, current injustices, and ongoing social sufferings. Many AI/AN youth are at a loss of themselves as historically, AI/AN related the self through the family dynamics. AIHSC will work to incorporate Operation Snowball philosophy (based on the Illinois Teen Institute on Substance Abuse) into our 7 traditional teachings to help youth, families and adults focus on healing from intergenerational traumas. Through this prevention-oriented process, youth and adults focus on prevention and promotion of personal and interpersonal growth, leadership skills, healthy decision-making, and healing regarding the IGT faced by AI/AN community members. AIHSC will go one step further through incorporating individual and group therapies for participants who are interested in continuing a longer healing process. Though Operation Snowball focuses on abstinence from drugs and alcohol, we will further push the boundaries to discuss self-harm, suicidal ideations and suicide. Through cross-age teaching and youth/adult and staff coordination, we can develop a comprehensive program to assist the community in healing from the intergenerational traumas that impact each person. Promote positive self-image and the development of one’s potential. Differentiate between attitudes, feelings, and facts on a variety of topics relevant to teens. Promote a greater understanding among teens from various groups. Provide a quality learning experience regarding alcohol and drug abuse and its effects on individuals and the community. Develop a greater sense of openness and trust among teens and adults that promotes personal growth. Encourage follow-up services. Develop different types of communication skills to promote positive relationships with peers, adults, and parents. Encourage family participation in the experience. Create an atmosphere in which parents & teen relationships can develop positively. 1 Goldston DB, Molock SD, Whitbeck, LB, Murakami JL, Zayas LH, Hall GCN. Cultural considerations in adolescent suicide prevention and psychosocial treatment. Am Psychol. 2008;63(1):14-31 2 Goldberg MJ. On evidence and evidence-based medicine: lessons from the philosophy of science. Soc Sci Med. 2006;62(11):2621-2632 3 Aisenberg E. Evidence-based practice in mental health care to ethnic minority communities: has its practice fallen short of its evidence? Soc Work. 2008;53(4):297-306 4 Echohawk M. Suicide: the scourge of Native American people. Suicide Life Threat Behav. 1997;27(1):60-67 5 Kirmayer LJ, Brass GM, Tait CL. The mental health of Aboriginal peoples: transformations of identity and community. Can J Psychiatry. 2000;45(7):607-616
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