Chikasha Anokfilli provides mental health support to Chickasaw families

This article appeared in the January 2022 edition of the Chickasaw Times

Chikasha Anokfilli (Thinking Chickasaw) is a publicly available mental health initiative exploring what it means to think Chickasaw. Chikasha Anokfilli provides resources to support and promote mental health and wellness.

The holidays can be a difficult time for many. It is a time to raise awareness about mental health, provide support, educate the public and advocate for policies that benefit people with mental illness and their families.

Chikasha Anokfilli offers a practical and educational way to join in the mental health movement.

Mental wellness is a priority for the Chickasaw Nation. Being mentally strong and healthy, Gov. Bill Anoatubby said, allows us to function at our best. It allows us to be “Thinking Chickasaw.”

As part of the initiative – through a series of panel discussions, presentations and activities – industry professionals demonstrate how to live healthier lives while focusing on balance and strength.

Panel discussions, presentations and activities by mental health professionals are important parts of Chikasha Anokfilli. They address a wide range of topics, including trauma and grief, suicide awareness and prevention, and financial and cultural wellness, among others.

Mental health affects our personal and professional lives, our relationships and our ability to function as successful individuals and community members. Chikasha Anokfilli provides resources and support for our communities to prioritize mental wellness.

Chikasha Anokfilli material is available at no cost on the “Connecting our Community” webpage at Chickasaw.net/CoC. This site serves as a portal through which the Chickasaw Nation offers new ways to connect and stay informed.

A number of Chikasha Anokfilli lessons are offered under the “Fitness & Wellness’’ tab of “Connecting our Community’’ at Chickasaw.net/CoC. Videos are also available at Facebook.com/TheChickasawNation and Facebook.com/ChickasawNationWorkshops.

Chikasha Anokfilli is an ongoing Chickasaw Nation initiative. The program will continue to produce educational material and videos to support healthy mental wellness with employees and the community.