Prioritizing Mental Health for Better Indian Country Business

Native Commerce News is sponsored by the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Oklahoma (AICCO), dedicated to expanding Indian Country commerce across the globe. 

Written By: Rachael Schuit 

(TULSA, Okla.) May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and one place where mental health needs the most attention is, of course, at work.  

Burnout, defined as a state of emotional, mental and physical exhaustion brought on by prolonged or repeated stress, is one of the most common challenges people face in the workplace. A recent Deloitte survey found that 77% of people have reported experiencing burnout at work.  

American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Oklahoma (AICCO) Native Business members Amy Turner and Candice Craig are licensed counselors in Tulsa who say addressing challenges like burnout and advocating for better mental health (for both business leaders and employees) in Indian Country has far-reaching impacts. 

Craig owns The Joy Therapist and says she is passionate about helping Indigenous people heal from trauma, and that doing so can have a positive impact on other areas of their lives–including work.  

“In one way or another, most of my life has been an entrepreneurial journey to harness the Indigenous wisdom of the human body’s ability to heal itself and make that healing widely accessible in partnership with scientifically-based wellness practices,” Craig said. 

Turner, owner of Mindset Behavioral Health, views prioritizing mental health as a way to help people achieve their full potential in the workplace.  

“Improving mental health in businesses can help address systemic challenges such as intergenerational trauma, historical oppression, and socioeconomic disparities that impact Native American populations,” she said. “By implementing culturally relevant and trauma-informed approaches to mental health care, businesses can support healing, resilience, and empowerment among employees.” 

Improved mental health can also lead to greater company loyalty, Craig added. 

A focus on mental health “fosters a supportive work environment where employees feel valued and understood, leading to higher productivity and employee retention,” Craig said. “Addressing mental health issues reduces absenteeism and presenteeism–ultimately benefiting the economic stability of the community.” 

Craig said one of the first steps to combating employee burnout begins with being realistic about how much time there is to complete a task at hand. She explained that this requires having boundaries in place, as well as knowing when to say ‘no.’ 

“Even if you can do the job, that doesn't mean you need to if you already feel stretched thin,” Craig noted. “Don't get caught up in the frailty of performance-based self-esteem. You are intrinsically valuable and worthy of protecting your peace.” 

According to Turner, it’s up to business leaders to ensure that they are fostering an environment conducive to strong mental health for all employees. 

“I advocate for promoting mental health awareness, offering employee assistance programs (EAPs), providing stress reduction programs, encouraging work-life balance, addressing workplace culture, training managers and leaders, and implementing employee wellness programs,” Turner said. “By implementing these strategies, workplaces can foster supportive environments that prioritize employee well being, reduce stigma surrounding mental health, and ultimately enhance productivity and job satisfaction.” 

Another way to boost mental health in the workplace is to ensure employees aren’t afraid to step away from work and enjoy vacation time, Craig added. 

“Evidence of a good leader is someone who can step away from their business and know it will still be operational when they return,” said Craig. “It’s important that they value life outside of work, and this mentality is conveyed throughout an organization.” 

Other tools like meditation, task delegation, and boundaries around answering work calls and emails outside of work are helpful, but Turner noted that prioritizing mental health and reducing burnout is a continuous process. 

“Seeking support from trusted individuals, developing coping strategies, practicing mindfulness, and taking regular breaks are essential for managing stress and preventing burnout,” she explained. “Additionally, reflecting on values and goals,  

maintaining social connections, and seeking professional help when needed contribute to overall well being and resilience in the face of workplace challenges.”