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For Alaska, mental health awareness is more important than ever

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For Alaska, mental health awareness is more important than ever


Introduced by Alaska Native Tribal Well being Consortium

Could is Psychological Well being Consciousness Month, and this yr, highlighting psychological well being in Alaska is extra pressing than ever.

Confronted with elevated stressors from the COVID-19 pandemic, the state has seen a rise in psychological well being crises, together with suicide, ripple by means of Alaskan communities. Alaska has the second highest charge of suicide nationwide in line with the Heart for Illness Management and in 2020, Careline Alaska obtained extra calls than another yr on file, with the final two quarters July-September and October-December receiving probably the most calls.

Fortunately, sources can be found for individuals experiencing psychological well being situations, and there are a couple of sensible, accessible strategies that may enable you to and your loved ones navigate difficult instances.

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With some easy instruments, “we are able to incorporate optimistic habits as a solution to help our personal psychological wellness and lead a wholesome life,” Alaska Native Tribal Well being Consortium Suicide Prevention Program Coordinator Carrie Rowland stated.

‘Extra widespread than we predict’

Most psychological well being situations wouldn’t have a single trigger. Though many elements contribute to psychological well being, clear connections will be made to the pandemic’s elevated workloads, which has prompted burnout and staffing challenges in lots of sections, together with well being care.

Alaska and different northern latitudes additionally see a further threat issue – a rise within the variety of suicide deaths every spring, analysis has proven.

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“Psychological well being situations are extra widespread than we predict,” Rowland stated. “These situations can develop slowly, or signs can seem immediately after you may have skilled a worrying occasion.”

Subsistence actions: One other solution to increase your well-being

Psychological well being is intertwined with well-being. Alaskans can maintain themselves and their households by specializing in good sleep, constructing robust social connections, and consuming a nutritious diet, Rowland stated.

Subsistence actions akin to looking and gathering conventional meals has helped to guard individuals dwelling within the Arctic for hundreds of years, Rowland stated. Conventional meals akin to salmon and berries are filled with vitamins like Vitamin B, D, and Omega-3 fat, which performs essential roles in mind perform and immunity.

Different methods to spice up your well-being embrace spending time with an animal companion, specializing in constructing a work-life steadiness, or scheduling in private time for an exercise you take pleasure in. Humor and laughter additionally increase problem-solving capacity and assist individuals bounce again from stress, Rowland stated.

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For a lot of, easy suggestions might not be sufficient. Professionals also can assist people and households deal with psychological well being points by means of quite a lot of therapies and interventions.

‘Take all indicators significantly’

Warning indicators somebody is perhaps contemplating suicide embrace melancholy, moodiness, hopelessness, and behavioral modifications, Rowland stated. Household and mates might discover a rise in dangerous conduct, withdrawal from others, misuse of medication or alcohol, or decreased motivation and curiosity in look.

Different warning indicators embrace stressors just like the lack of a job, main relationship or beloved one, or earlier suicide makes an attempt.

An individual who’s struggling might publish regarding messages on social media, give away their possessions, or make statements like “all of my issues can be over quickly,” or “I don’t need to be right here anymore.”

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“Take all indicators significantly,” Rowland stated. “The extra indicators you observe, the larger the chance.”

Navigating exhausting conversations

For these involved a few member of the family or pal, it’s essential to have a direct dialog about what you’ve observed. Whereas these conversations will be tough, Rowland provided a number of strategies for carrying them out.

First, “be okay with feeling uncomfortable,” she stated.

Speak to the particular person alone in a non-public setting. Permit loads of time to speak freely. Hear together with your full consideration, and don’t rush to judgement.

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Ask instantly if the particular person is having ideas of suicide. Ask if the particular person is keen to go get assist with you. Supply hope. Let the particular person know that you really want them to reside and that they aren’t alone. Then, comply with up with the particular person later.

Through the dialog, strive not to judge the opposite particular person. Keep away from telling somebody what to do, or letting your personal feelings steer your response. Don’t reduce or argue with somebody’s emotions.

Speaking to teenagers

Rowland provided particular suggestions for folks speaking to teenagers about psychological well being and suicide – beginning with being real concerning the issue of the dialog.

“Allow them to know that it’s exhausting so that you can speak about and that you simply perceive that it might be tough for them as properly,” Rowland stated.

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Begin the dialog by letting your teen know what you’ve observed in a non-judgmental means. Select a snug location or setting, akin to throughout an on a regular basis exercise. Permit for instances of silence and lively listening, and use comforting language.

‘Restoration is Attainable’: Sources for Alaska

Should you or somebody you already know is struggling, speaking to somebody you belief is an efficient place to start out. Take into account discovering skilled assist, a help group, or a peer group for extra help.

“Assistance is on the market and restoration is feasible,” Rowland stated.

Careline Alaska’s hotline is obtainable twenty-four hours a day, seven days per week, for individuals experiencing psychological well being points or these involved about somebody. 1-877-266-4357, or textual content 4HELP to 839863.

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Extra Sources

ANTHC’s Behavioral Well being Wellness Clinic gives telehealth counseling, assessments, and referral help to grownup Alaska Tribal Well being System beneficiaries wherever in Alaska. You possibly can simply entry care out of your private mobile phone or pc. To be taught extra or change into a shopper, go to www.anthc.org/bhwc or name 907-729-2492, Monday-Friday from 8:30 am – 5:00 pm.

Nationwide Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255

Psychological Well being First Support

Psychological Well being America

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We R Native

Nationwide Alliance on Psychological Sickness

The Trevor Mission

This story was sponsored by the Alaska Native Tribal Well being Consortium, a statewide nonprofit Tribal well being group designed to satisfy the distinctive well being wants of greater than 175,000 Alaska Native and American Indian individuals dwelling in Alaska.

This story was produced by the sponsored content material division of the Anchorage Every day Information in collaboration with ANTHC. The ADN newsroom was not concerned in its manufacturing.





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Alaska

Putin ally calls for Alaska’s return to Russia

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Putin ally calls for Alaska’s return to Russia


Russian TV host Vladimir Solovyov, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, recently called for Alaska’s return to Russia during a recent Russian-state media program.

Newsweek has reached out to Russia’s foreign ministry and the U.S. State Department via email for comment.

Why It Matters

Alaska once belonged to Russia. In 1867, it was sold to the United States after then-President Andrew Johnson signed the Alaska Treaty. It gained the status of a state on January 3, 1959. Alaska and Russia are positioned about 53 miles apart at their closest point.

Tensions around Russia and Alaska intensified in January 2024 when reports surfaced that Putin was looking into reobtaining Alaska, reviving an effort pushed by Russian media throughout the ongoing war in Ukraine that Moscow could seize the state.

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Tensions remain high between North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and Russia amid the Russian-Ukraine war as NATO leaders have increasingly warned that direct conflict with Moscow is a realistic danger. This comes after Putin and senior Russian officials have repeatedly threatened nuclear escalation against Kyiv and its Western partners since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Last month, Putin upped Moscow’s nuclear rhetoric after the U.S. allowed Kyiv to use longer-range ATACMS to strike inside Russia, formalizing changes to his country’s nuclear doctrine that lowers the threshold for atomic weapons use.

Along with the nuclear threat, NATO members such as Germany and the Baltic states have accused Moscow of hybrid attacks and said after the Ukraine war, Moscow could then make a move on countries in the alliance.

What To Know

During the recent program, Solovyov said Finland, Warsaw, the Baltics, Moldova, and Alaska should be “returned to the Russian Empire.”

“Do you think I’m joking when I mention Finland, Warsaw, the Baltics, Moldova? Everything returned to the Russian Empire. And Alaska too, while you’re at it,” Solovyov said in a translated video.

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The clip was posted on Saturday by Anton Gerashchenko, a former adviser to the Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs.

“According to propagandist Solovyov, Finland, Warsaw, the Baltics, Moldova, and even Alaska should be ‘returned to the Russian Empire.’ They won’t stop at Ukraine. The Russian imperialists are insatiable,” Gerashchenko wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Four Russian military aircraft entered international airspace close to Alaska on December 17, the U.S. and Canada’s joint command said.

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) announced that it detected and tracked the aircraft operating within the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).

The Russian planes did not enter sovereign U.S. or Canadian territory, and the incident was not perceived as a threat. However, such encounters are not uncommon, and NORAD announced that a number of Russian aircraft entered the Alaska ADIZ in September.

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Four aircraft were spotted on September 23; two Russian Il-38 patrol aircraft were tracked on September 14 and 15; two Tu-142 maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft were seen on September 13; and two unspecified Russian aircraft were identified on September 11.

TV presenter Vladimir Solovyov is seen in Saint Petersburg on June 6. Solovyov, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, called for Alaska’s return to Russia during a recent Russian-state media program.

Olga MALTSEVA / AFP/Getty Images

What People Are Saying

State Department principal deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel said during a press briefing about Putin’s January comments: “I think I can speak for all of us in the U.S. government to say that certainly he’s not getting [Alaska] back.”

Deputy chairman of the Security Council of Russia Dmitry Medvedev joked about Alaska in January on X, teasing that “war is unavoidable,” since the State Department said Russia was not getting Alaska back. He added a laughing emoji to the post.

Keir Giles, a senior consulting fellow at Chatham House, previously told Newsweek: “Continued Russian approaches toward U.S. airspace are a reminder that while the bulk of Russia’s land forces are tied down in Ukraine, its air and naval forces continue to pose a global threat to its adversaries including the United States.

“It’s another indicator that Russia is readying itself for confrontation with the West beyond Ukraine, and any break in the fighting there – for instance through a ceasefire – will allow Russia to reconstitute its forces even faster without Ukraine destroying them almost as fast as they are rebuilt.”

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What Happens Next

Although it remains unclear if Russia will make moves against Alaska. As the Russia-Ukraine war continues, tensions between Moscow and NATO are likely to increase, especially if the alliance’s European members bear more of the brunt of support for Ukraine.

The U.S. and other Western countries have been providing Ukraine with military aid to defend itself against Russia.



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Alaska

Homer welcomes back Kristen Faulkner months after accomplishing Olympic history in Paris

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Homer welcomes back Kristen Faulkner months after accomplishing Olympic history in Paris


HOMER, Alaska (KTUU) – As Kristen Faulkner walked the stage of the Homer Theater, a few memories came to mind.

“I walked on stage just now in preparation for the event and I have all these memories flooding of being a little mouse in the Nutcracker, a young Clara, and playing piano in Jubilee,” Faulkner said.

Within the halls of Homer High School, Faulkner prepared for another public speaking event. One of many the Alaskan had been the lead in following the 2024 Olympic Games. Only she wouldn’t be speaking to a group of strangers.

This time, she was back in Alaska. Faulkner’s first time in the Halibut capital of the world in well over a year.

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“We’ve been looking forward to this since Paris,” Former Mayor of Homer Ken Castner said.

“It’s heartwarming to have her home,” her mother Sara Faulkner said.

Arriving back in the 49th state earlier this week, Friday was one of the first moments the cyclist had spent in town since making Olympic history. Faulkner became one of the highlights for Team USA after winning two gold medals in Paris, including the first for the nation in the women’s road race in 40 years. Faulkner also competed in the women’s Tour De France shortly after, placing 38th overall.

“There’s moments where it sinks in and I’m like ‘wow, I did something really cool,’ she said. “The more I do events like this and come back home and take it in with my friends and family, that’s where it feels a lot more real.”

“It was funny with her siblings because growing up, she was always Katie’s sister or Andrew’s,” Sara Faulkner said. “Now, they’re all Kristen’s sister or brother.”

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Now, months removed from those feats, Faulkner’s focus has shifted to helping encourage those back home. An impact felt across the community.

“She’s touched every aspect of our community,” Representative Sarah Vance said. “She just exudes everything Homer is proud of. We focus a lot on empowering our kids and encouraging them to be wonderful and do great things. She is that.”

“I think the biggest thing is to dream really big and never stop believing in yourself,” Faulkner said. “We often sell ourselves short and I think the sky’s the limit if you work hard and believe in yourself.”

Though she hasn’t had the opportunity to return to the trails due to weather, Faulkner says she plans to ride the roads once again when she returns on her next trip. The same twists and turns that helped her grow into the now-renowned cyclist she is today. But those accomplishments haven’t made her complacent as Faulkner says her mind is already on to the next mission.

“I definitely want to try to make the 2028 Olympics, that’s my next big goal,” she said. “Between then, I wanna win a stage of the Tour De France, I wanna maybe go for a world championship at one of the events. I definitely have some big goals.”

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But no matter where the competition is; whether it’s Spain, France, or state side in the 2028 LA Games, Faulkner’s ties will always remain in the Last Frontier. A state she’s happy to represent.

“I hope people see that I’m an Alaskan,” Faulkner said. “I hope people see someone that has a rugged, independent spirit and who loves the outdoors.”

See a spelling or grammar error? Report it to web@ktuu.com



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Tyra Banks, Alaska canine superstar, is fastest on 4 legs

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Tyra Banks, Alaska canine superstar, is fastest on 4 legs


ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – Her full name is Spring Wind’s Dressed to Impress at Bell Creek, but owner Patti Engleman calls her agility dog the name of her favorite supermodel, Tyra Banks.

The 7-year-old canine isn’t known so much for her good looks but rather for her speed. She’s a Xoloitzcuintli, a Mexican breed that is usually born hairless, but this one is a Xolo with a sleek, glossy coat.

“They are actually one of the oldest breeds in the world, if not the oldest. There’s debate on that,” Engleman said, adding that Xolos were favorites of the Aztecs.

“So you guys used to be sacrificed on special occasions,” she said looking at Tyra. “That’s why they say she’s so fast — it’s survival of the fittest.”

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Patti Engleman holds her agility dog champion Tyra Banks(ktuu)

And Tyra is fast. For the last four years, she’s been the number one Xolo for agility in the country, according to the American Kennel Club.

In mid-December, she earned another title. Engleman was invited to bring Tyra to the AKC Agility Invitational in Orlando, Florida. She finished the course in 29.597 seconds, winning the 12-inch height division, something Engleman said was a first for her breed.

The win was made more special, Engleman said, because Tyra has a condition known as Cushing’s Disease, which could end her career at any time.

Engleman said making it to invitationals was on her bucket list for Tyra.

“Invitationals was one thing I really wanted to accomplish with her in her lifetime … and we made finals, and we won,” Engleman said. “I didn’t expect to win, it was beyond what my goal was for her, because honestly, she’s incredible. I know I’m really lucky to have this dog.”

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Engleman said Tyra can lead a full life with treatment, but as long as her agility days are uncertain, she isn’t taking their time as competitors for granted.

“It’s okay, we are going to manage it, and we are going to keep having fun but that’s part of the reason I’m trying to enjoy as much time as I can with her,” she said.

See a spelling or grammar error? Report it to web@ktuu.com



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