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Reaching Out For Help

Sometimes the bravest thing we can do when we are struggling is to ask for help.

Asking for help when you need it is an important part of self-care. It is normal for the most mentally resilient people to reach out for help. Don’t let anyone else tell you different. We all need the love and care of others. It’s normal and part of being human.

If you are struggling with your outlook, self-esteem, mood, or just not feeling your best, consider reaching out to someone. This could be a friend, auntie or uncle, behavior health counselor, teacher, doctor, or Elder. It doesn’t necessarily matter who you reach out to, just that they are able to listen without making you feel guilty about your emotions. Ideally, they are people who you can trust who are healthy and balanced themselves.

Reach out to someone (or multiple people) in a way that feels good for you, whether it be through texting, calling, Face Timing, or meeting in person.

Keep in mind that if someone you reach out to can’t support you in that moment, it doesn’t reflect on your lovability or value. If this happens, simply reach out to someone you trust who is able to listen without judgement.

If you need advice from a trained counselor, consider texting the word “NATIVE” to 741741. You will be immediately connected with a crisis counselor. Don’t hesitate to reach out. All support and resources shared will remain confidential. Plus, there is no cost to you.

Additional Resources

CrisisTextLine.org – to text with someone
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Dial or text 988 from any phone for free 24/7 support

I am white, but I live in an area that is between 3 different tribes on the PNW coast. I’m a teacher, and more than half my students are Native Americans. I love my tribal kids, they are the joy in my teaching hours. They bring such life and joy and happiness to school with them, always curious, always respectful, always ready to have fun and learn something new. Sadly, I’ve known several Native American parents and a child who died. I just learned about ribbon skirts, and I was wondering if it would be wrong for me to wear one in remembrance of them. I sew, and would really enjoy making a ribbon skirt – but I don’t know if that would offend my students, their parents, or their tribes.

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