FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 2, 2022
President Nez recognizes the month of May as “Ńtsáhakees
Silah’igii Baa ‘Áhayá – Navajo Nation Mental Health Awareness Month”
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer
issued a proclamation on Monday, recognizing the month of May 2022 as “Ńtsáhakees Silah’igii
Baa ‘Áhayá – Navajo Nation Mental Health Awareness Month” to raise awareness of the
importance of mental health and its impact on the well-being of Navajo citizens during the COVID19 pandemic.
“Over the past two years, we’ve experienced higher levels of stress, trauma, anxiety, depression,
and grief, but through the teachings of our elders we remain strong and continue to overcome. In
many ways, the pandemic has magnified some of the modern-day monsters in our communities,
including mental and emotional health. We recommit ourselves to standing and supporting those
experiencing mental health conditions with this proclamation. Let us strive to ensure that people
with mental health conditions know they are not alone, that there is hope, and that healing is
possible through support and prayer. We have to continue to come together, support one
another, and continue to heal our Nation as we move forward together,” said President Nez.
The Nez-Lizer Administration has also partnered with the Navajo Nation Division of Behavioral
and Mental Health Services to create a Mental Health Coalition, who has been providing outreach
and support for children, adults, families, and communities. Together, they call upon citizens,
tribal organizations and businesses, and schools to help strengthen the mental health of our
communities.
The proclamation states that “Diné culture and tradition hold in high esteem our teaching and
need for mental, emotional, physical, and social health” and “mental health is part of overall
health and helps to sustain our thought processes, relationships, productivity, and ability to
adapt, to preserve, and to overcome adversity.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the mental health of Navajo citizens of all
ages. It is more critical to reduce the stigma around the mental health struggles of others. Stigma
and fear of discrimination keep many who benefit from mental health services from seeking help.
“If you know of someone in your home or community struggling with mental health issues, lend a
hand to get them help and support. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness but a sign of
strength. Together, we must create a concrete message of hope and equity. We must also help
our mental health providers provide comfort and support for family members and friends
struggling with this illness. Most importantly, we have to address mental health the same way we
treat physical health,” said Vice President Lizer.
The proclamation recognizes that mental health is often life-threatening, and early detection and
treatment can profoundly differentiate recovery and healing.
For more information regarding services and assistance, please visit the Navajo Nation Division of
Behavioral and Mental Health Services website at: https://www.nndbmhs.org or by calling (928)
871-6240. Support is also available through the National Suicide Lifeline at 1 (800) 273-8255.