OAKLAND, Maine (WABI) – September is National Suicide Prevention Month.
Individuals in the construction and transportation fields gathered in Oakland on Tuesday for a discussion surrounding substance use and mental health.
The simple act of a conversation was a main focus of Tuesday’s event. Organizations and businesses from around the state gathered to spread the message that nobody is alone, but to tackle lifting that stigma, it’s going to take a group effort.
“I really want people to understand that it’s going to take a community,” said Director of Training and Client Accounts at Wellness Workdays Chris Guild. “The more people that we have listening, learning and then communicating, the more chance we have to really the numbers in this industry and help save lives.”
Guild also spoke in the afternoon to close the event.
Organizers say the industries of construction and transportation historically have individuals who have a tendency of keeping their issues to themselves.
“We’re known to be a group of really tough, really strong, really hardy people, right, and I think in the past, nobody really wanted to share if they were struggling with something,” answered Executive Director of the Associated General Contractors of Maine Kelly Flagg.
The Building Wellbeing for Maine Mental Health Summit is organized, in part, by the Maine Better Transportation Association and the Associated General Contractors of Maine.
They mention that wherever you work, it’s okay to speak on how you feel and reach out about the resources available to you.
“Everybody is dealing with those struggles regardless of the workplace, and that’s where I think a lot of strength can be drawn from,” added Executive Director of the M.B.T.A. Jake Lachance.
Speakers talked about personal experiences, and there were tables displaying resources for ways to deal with mental health issues and struggles with addiction.
“I feel like a lot of men, it’s a hard job, there’s a lot of pain involved with it, and it’s much easier to become addicted in a field where it’s more physical on your body. So, I think it’s good to bring attention to it to maybe prevent it a little more,” commented Kaycie Bell.
Bell is the daughter of event speaker Jessica Solaguren.
Last year was the first time the event was put on. This year, organizers say there was a 50% increase in attendance.
“To me, that tells me, we’re on the right track,” responded Flagg. “That people need this conversation to continue.”
Others add while events like this one are critical, they aren’t conversations that should happen just once a year.
“I don’t necessarily think that we should be saving these conversations for a situation or an event, if it’s just daily dialogue, it opens it up, it’s easier,” added Solaguren.
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