PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Mental health issues are a growing concern in Aroostook County, just as in the rest of the country, and a particular challenge can be the stigma often associated with them, which can prevent people from seeking the treatments that can help improve their lives.
With this in mind, The Aroostook Medical Center, the Aroostook Mental Health Center and the Turner Memorial Library in Presque Isle will offer a community presentation featuring a personal story from an individual who is well-known to the community. Kevin Mannix, who was a weatherman on WAGM-TV in Presque Isle before moving to Portland to do statewide broadcasts on News Center, will share his personal experiences battling depression and the shame associated with it.
The community presentation will take place on Monday, Jan. 25, at 6:30 p.m. at the Turner Memorial Library. In addition to Mannix, representatives from AMHC will be on hand to answer questions about personal challenges and community resources to support individuals and families in their efforts to create and find their own recovery.
Mannix and his wife, social worker Linda Rota, have published a book, “Weathering Shame,” which details their individual experiences, lessons, struggles and feelings of shame that resulted from growing up exposed to alcoholism, severe depression and suicide. Their goal in sharing their story is to help raise awareness and inspire others to embark on their own journey of self-discovery and recovery.
“I think it is important to educate society as a whole around the issue of shame and stigma, which is still one of the biggest barriers preventing people from reaching out for help,” explained Mannix.
“People often feel, as I did at one time, embarrassed or ashamed to reach out,” he said. “Telling my story as an adult child of an alcoholic Dad and depressed Mom, and my wife Linda’s story of growing up with the secret of her Mom’s suicide at the age of 7, seems to have allowed our viewers and readers to open up about their struggles and reach out to someone without shame to start their own journey towards wellness.”
“AMHC is excited to be partnering with TAMC and the City of Presque Isle to bring Kevin Mannix to Aroostook County to speak about his journey of discovery and recovery,” said Peter McCorison of AMHC. “This is a great forum for folks to come together and discuss how recovery can happen and how together as a community, families and individually we can play a part in making it happen.”
Helping to bring this presentation to the community was also a good fit for TAMC, according to Joy Barresi Saucier, vice president of strategy and community benefits at the hospital.
“Over the last few years, TAMC has continued to focus community health efforts on the top health issues facing our county. Mental health issues are a significant concern for many as over 20 percent of adults in Aroostook County have had either depression or anxiety at some point in their life,” said Barresi Saucier. “We know that mental and physical health go hand in hand and believe that early identification and linking individuals with appropriate resources are instrumental to improving overall health.”
The library was quick to join the effort and offer a location for the event.
“Libraries strengthen communities by empowering citizens to understand their world, neighborhoods, families and their relationships and experiences within them,” said Sonja Eyler from Turner Memorial Library. “Kevin’s book and visit to our library exemplifies a signature event that promises to accomplish all of that in the comfort of friends. It is a pleasure to welcome Kevin in cooperation with TAMC and AMHC.”
Mannix will also be doing a book signing at the close of the program. Those who already have his book can bring it in to be signed, or those who would like to purchase one can do so at the event for $21. Cash or checks will be accepted.
This presentation is free and open to the public. Due to the sensitive nature of the topic, it is intended for adults. No preregistration is required.
Questions regarding the event can be directed to TAMC’s Communications & Development office at 768-4008.
