Readers discuss Indigenous healing, an experimental depression treatment and more

Rethinking healing

Western colonists’ seizure of Indigenous lands and subsequent abusive assimilation efforts continue to harm and traumatize Indigenous people, leading to high rates of mental illness, chronic disease, incarceration and suicide. Psychologists are researching whether mental health programs founded on Indigenous traditions can help these communities reconnect with their culture and heal, Sujata Gupta reported in “Culture aids Indigenous mental health” (SN: 9/23/23, p. 14).

The story resonated with reader Gary Seeman. “I retired from psychological practice not long ago and was rooted in [Carl] Jung’s analytical psychology and Buddhist and Indian spiritual practices. All of those approaches helped me with clients and provided the depth needed for my own personal healing.”