Let’s Talk About Mental Health: Resources for Everyday
Published April 10, 2023
Our culture stays alive when you do! Choctaw Nation’s Behavioral Health services offer resources and a listening ear. There are several resources online if you or someone you know is struggling. Always get help immediately if there is a threat to you or a loved one.
If you or a loved one are experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text the 988 Mental Health Lifeline. 988 is a resource for individuals that are feeling depressed, anxious, overwhelmed, suicidal, or struggling with a substance use issue. Mental health professionals will listen to you and assist you in getting you the help you need for yourself or a loved one. They will also assist with connecting you to available resources in your area.
Tribal members will then have the choice to be connected to Choctaw Nation mental health professionals who will assist them in meeting their mental health needs, including case management, counseling and connections to other resources.
What is 988?
988 is a direct, three-digit lifeline that connects you with trained behavioral health professionals that can get all Oklahomans the help they need.
Call the Lifeline
It all starts when you call 988. You’ll be connected to a mental health professional to talk you through what’s going on and get the resources you need for either yourself or your loved one. About 90% of the time, things can get sorted out with just a phone call. But if you need more help, we got you.
If more help is needed …
Connect with a Mobile Crisis Team
If you or your loved one need more help after your initial phone call, the 988 call center will send a mobile crisis team to assess things and intervene if necessary. About 7 in 10 crises can be resolved at this touchpoint.
If even more help is needed …
Get Transportation
Some people need more in-depth care. If this is the case, transportation will be provided to help Oklahomans in need safely arrive at an Urgent Care and Crisis Center.
Check In at an Urgent Care and Crisis Center
For those of us that need higher touch help, an Urgent Care and Crisis Center has your back. These centers are staffed 24/7/365 with licensed local medical professionals, nurses, and peers who have been through it themselves. Every center accepts both drop-offs from first responders and walk-ins.
Know the Signs of Mental Illness
Everyone feels down or stressed out from time to time. But when symptoms won’t go away or make daily life feel impossible, it might be time to reach out.
While no two Oklahomans are on the same mental health journey, many of us experience similar symptoms.
- Feeling excessively sad or hopeless
- Excessive worrying, fear, or irritability
- Concentration problems
- Extreme changes in mood
- Avoiding friends and social activities
- Sleeping too much, or not enough
- Eating too much, or not enough
- Abuse of substances like alcohol or drugs
- Inability to manage stress
- Headaches or stomach pain without cause
- Sudden changes in appearance
- Suicidal thoughts Self-harm
If you or a loved one are showing signs that you could use a hand, 988 is just a call or text away.