We live in an amazing part of the world; majestic, serene.
But Alaska, even though it’s the largest state in the United States, has its own unique physical health challenges. If you’ve lived here longer than a month, you’ve probably experienced a few of those firsthand.
Rural Alaska also has some unique behavioral health challenges. Isolation, limited sunlight, harsh Alaskan winters – they can all affect you in subtle and not-so-subtle ways.
As such, behavioral health often goes ignored and undiagnosed.
It’s tempting to ignore your behavioral health for many reasons:
- Seeking help can be inconvenient.
- Behavioral health providers in Alaska can be far away from you.
- Concerns about receiving culturally sensitive care.
- It doesn’t seem as urgent as physical health issues.
- Outdated social stigmas can make you feel awkward about your behavioral health.
If you’re thinking about ignoring your behavioral health, or just “toughing it out,” we have some advice:
Don’t.
Behavioral health is just as important as physical health. In fact, behavioral health can affect physical health.
What seems like a small issue now can become a big issue in the future. That “little thing” you power through today can get in the way of everything tomorrow.
Access to behavioral health care is a challenge.
But that first step, reaching out, is the hardest. Cama’i makes taking that first step easy – it’s just a click or a phone call away.
After that first step, Cama’i CHC will guide you to the best resources for you.
To get started, here are 6 essential mental health and behavioral health resources, specifically curated by Cama’i CHC, for the unique mental health challenges faced by rural Alaskans.
Find behavioral health services in Bristol Bay. Contact Cama’i today and schedule an appointment.
6 essential behavioral health care resources we offer at Cama’i CHC
1. Mental Health Screenings
A mental health screening is the equivalent of an annual physical because it can tell you if everything seems fine, which is helpful in itself.
But it can also identify early symptoms of behavioral health disorders. The sooner a disorder is identified, the sooner effective treatment can begin. Treating an issue before it becomes severe often leads to better outcomes.
Here are some of the benefits of mental health screenings:
- Finding Issues Early
Mental health screenings identify behavioral health conditions before they become severe. Early detection means early intervention, early treatment, and reducing the time someone has to struggle. - Early Prevention Reduces Progression
When behavioral health issues are found, they can be addressed. By catching issues early, mental health conditions can be treated before they progress —and early treatment significantly improves outcomes. - Improving Daily Life
Left undiagnosed and untreated, behavioral health issues can affect every aspect of someone’s lie. When identified and treated, the effects of a behavioral issue become less pervasive. And all aspects of a person’s life (work, school, relationships, etc.) are improved. - Reducing Personal Stigma
Regular screenings can help reduce the stigma associated with mental health. When mental health is treated like our physical health, it becomes just another part of our well-being. - Better quality of life
Mental health screenings can assure you that no serious issues exist. Or they can identify behavioral health issues and treatment can begin. Either way, a person’s quality of life improves when they know what’s going on, rather than worrying or letting undiagnosed conditions progress.
Cama’i CHC conducts mental health screenings to detect depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, and other behavioral health issues. If you’re not sure where to begin, start with a mental health screening. Mental health screenings will identify whether or not a behavioral health issue exists.
2. Counseling Services
Counseling is one of the most common and helpful behavioral health services. Similar to “Talk Therapy”, a dedicated counselor can help you process feelings, develop new skills, and learn healthy coping mechanisms. Or even just vent – sometimes a little healthy venting can do wonders for your well-being.
Counseling often focuses on specific challenges – relationship issues, work stress, etc. A counselor can work through these issues with you. And teach you effective coping strategies to better navigate those challenges.
Cama’i CHC provides both general counseling services and counseling for specific behavioral health conditions such as:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- PTSD
- Addiction or Substance Issues
- ADHD
- Grief
- Trauma
- + More
Counseling is a great place to start any behavioral health journey. It might be all the support you need. Or it can identify other services for more effective behavioral health treatment.
3. Mental Health Emergency Support
If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis, it’s important to seek help as soon as possible.
Symptoms of a mental health crisis could include:
- Delusions or hallucinations
- Extreme withdrawal
- Going days without sleeping or eating
- Verbal or physical abuse
- Danger of harm to yourself or others
These symptoms aren’t always present in a mental health crisis. Crises can exist with almost no obvious symptoms.
If you’re concerned that you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis, contact us as soon as possible. Cama’i can guide you through treatment, healing and recovery.
Important Note:
If you or a loved one are considering suicide, don’t wait to seek help.
Call the suicide and crisis lifeline at 988 for immediate help.
4. Counseling for Children and Teens
Children and teens need more than pediatric care. They can be especially vulnerable to behavioral health care challenges because they haven’t developed the coping skills of adults. Isolation and seasonal stress can often have a stronger effect on children and teens.
If your child:
- seems depressed
- seems anxious
- is having behavioral issues
- is struggling in school
Counseling can offer relief and insight. At Cama’i, we provide behavioral health services and counseling for teens and children.
5. Psychiatric Care Referrals
Not all conditions need medication. But when needed, psychiatric medication is extremely beneficial to your behavioral health treatment plan.
Cama’i CHC will gladly provide psychiatric referrals when medication might help your well-being.
Medication is often most beneficial when combined with counseling. Your counselor will discuss if medication could benefit you and can refer you to a psychiatrist.
6. Social Emotional Learning (SEL)
Social Emotional Learning is a behavioral health methodology that helps people understand and manage their emotions.
It teaches individuals a variety of skills in the following areas:
- Self Awareness (strengths, weaknesses, and emotions)
- Self Management (healthy emotional management)
- Social Awareness (developing empathy and understanding social cues)
- Relationship Skills (communication and cooperation)
- Decision Making (making constructive choices)
SEL skills help adults manage stress, and emotions, and improve social interactions.
SEL skills help children and teens navigate challenges, build resilience, and reduce anxiety. It also helps them develop better-coping mechanisms and social skills.
It’s become a valuable tool for people of all ages. And it can benefit anyone at any stage of life.
SEL can be especially beneficial if you find difficulty in social settings (work, school, etc.), or have difficulty building healthy relationships.
Cama’i CHC: Your Behavioral Health Resource in Bristol Bay
Finding effective behavioral healthcare can feel difficult in rural Alaska. That’s why Cama’i works hard to be your behavioral healthcare partner.
Just like physical health, everyone deserves quality behavioral healthcare, no matter where they live. Through services like mental health screenings, counseling, emergency mental health support, child and teen counseling, psychiatric care referrals, and Social Emotional Learning, we’re working to enhance the lives of everyone in our community.
We’re committed to providing you with comprehensive, compassionate behavioral health services. We’re here to support your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
We understand the unique mental and physical health challenges facing rural Alaskan communities.
We’re here to provide high-quality physical health and behavioral healthcare to individuals and families right here in our community.
Looking for behavioral health services in rural Alaska? Contact Cama’i today and schedule an appointment.
