COVID-19-related impacts on mental health among Indigenous peoples: “I’m scared every day”

Indigenous peoples of the United States (U.S.) are among the most vulnerable populations to mental health symptoms, including psychological stress and poor emotional health, primarily stemming from historical oppression and trauma. This qualitative inquiry explored the lived experiences of 31 U.S. Native American women during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data from a community-based critical ethnography approach identified the following themes: worry and anxiety, depression and isolation, the connection between physical and mental health, and resiliency. Results indicated that despite the increase in mental health symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic, Native American women demonstrated mental health resiliency through problem solving and self-coping.