In Sherman Alexie’s novel Indian Killer, there are many characters who struggle with mental disorders. Alexie states “She was manic-depressive and simply couldn’t take care of herself,” this is just one of the mental illnesses suffered in the book (212). Mental disorders are prevalent in the United States. All races are at risk of mental illness. In the article "Mental Health and Substance Abuse Characteristics Among a Clinical Sample of Urban American Indian/Alaska Native Youths in a Large California Metropolitan Area: a Descriptive Study" Daniel Dickerson and Carrie Johnson state “AI/ANs [American Indians/ Alaska Native] between the ages of 15 and 24 have the highest suicide rates in the United States compared to other racial/ethnic groups” (Dickerson and Johnson, 56). Native Americans are highly perceptible to mental illness due to the historical trauma their culture has endured. In the article “Native Americans” Warren Skye, Robert Schore, and Rachel Levenson state “Traditionally, AI/AN believed all illness was caused by demoniacal interference, malignant spirits, sorcery, or failure to perform an important ritual” (Skye et al). Today that belief is gone. Native Americans now have a modern view about illnesses and medicine. In Bonnie Duran, Margaret Sanders, Betty Skipper, Howard Waitzkin, Lorraine Halinka Malcoa, Susan Paine, and Joel Yager article “Prevalence and Correlates of Mental Disorders Among Native American Women in Primary Care” they state “Available evidence suggests that mental illness, mental dysfunction, or self-destructive behavior affects approximately 21% of the total AIAN population, costing an estimated $1.07 billion and causing incalculable human suffering” (Duran et al, 71). In reservations there are n... ... middle of paper ... ...039-2451-49e9-acb6-6ba5d2109f29%40sessionmgr110&vid=5&hid=106>. Saisan, Joanna, Melinda Smith, and Jeanne Segal. "Substance Abuse and Mental Health." Help Guide. N.p., Feb. 2014. Web. 7 Apr. 2014. . Salgado Jr., Ernie C. "Native American Indian Killers." The Indian Reporter. N.p., July 2009. Web. 6 Apr. 2014. . Skye, Warren, Robert Schore, and Rachel Levenson. "Native Americans." NKI Center of Excellence in Culturally Competent Mental Health. N.p., 2009. Web. 1 Apr. 2014. . Szalavitz, Maia. "How Child Abuse Primes the Brain for Future Mental Illness." Time. N.p., 15 Feb. 2012. Web. 7 Apr. 2014. .
This paper will discuss the Native American culture and briefly review their history, some beliefs and roles in society today. A short description into their culture with References will be used to show how Native Americans have been affected throughout hundreds of years. The trauma this culture endured has created many barriers, yet one often seen today is their extreme problem with the disease of Alcoholism. The Native American culture has gone through endless struggles, which has cost them to lose so much and still continues to impact them today. They are slowly moving back toward getting benefits that should have been available long ago, but in today’s world Native Americans still battle with many barriers not only in society, but in getting appropriate treatment for mental health or addiction issues.
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suffering the Native Americans are plagued with as a result of the lack of acceptance towards
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In fact, Native American medicine men belief is firmly grounded in age-old traditions, legends and teachings. Healing and medical powers have existed since the very beginning of time according to Native American stories. Consequently they have handed down the tribe's antediluvian legends, which i...
into the Native American way of life and some of the hardships that can befall the victims
... exposed to abusive environments show delays or restrictions in their physical growth as well as in their mental development (Smith, 1975).
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