Dear Ariel,

It can certainly be very traumatic to be uprooted from the place you have always lived and thrown into a whole new culture. In addition, it sounds as though you have been treated badly and are feeling tremendously isolated. All of this can result in significant emotional stress, including feelings of depression and anxiety.

When we become overwhelmed emotionally, our minds will try to do a variety of things to adapt. Sometimes these adaptations are not very healthy but it’s the best that we can do in the situation we find ourselves in. What you describe sounds like what is called dissociating. In addition, hearing voices is often referred to as auditory hallucinations. Usually dissociative disorders include some level of amnesia, where the person is not aware of the other personality or personalities. The fact that you are aware of it is a good sign in terms of the severity of your condition.

When we experience these symptoms, which are usually a function of extreme stress and/or trauma, it is important to seek mental health treatment. If you are living on a Navajo reservation, the Indian Health Service (IHS) typically provides health services. If you are living in a rural community off a reservation, you can access services through your county mental health center. Either way, it is important for you to get mental health support to help you deal with the challenges that you are experiencing, as these symptoms typically worsen without treatment.