By Dawn De Busk

Staff Writer

There is saying about walking a mile in another person’s shoes before passing judgment.

Walk in another person’s shoes.

Walk mindfully in your own shoes.

To commemorate Mental Health Awareness month, the Lakes Region Recovery Center (LRRC) decided to do a walk that was open to all businesses and individuals in the region.

Holding a walk was a shoo in, according to LRRC Executive Director Tracey Martin. 

“There is such a stigma with mental health. It is important to be seen and not be hidden. We walk for ourselves and for anyone else who struggles with mental health,” Martin said.

“When you put a face to it, it can change the way people view it. You never know what a person is dealing with, or what they may be going through. The happiest of people can often be the most depressed,” she said.

The 2nd annual Mental Health Awareness Walk on Thursday, May 16, drew more than 100 people plus one policeman on a bicycle.

“I was thrilled with the turnout. We had more than 120 people join the awareness walk,” Martin said.

“Community members were so grateful that we started doing this. It was nice to see such a diverse group of people,” Martin said.

Bridgton Police Chief Phil Jones joined the group on his bicycle and directed traffic as needed. Some of the walkers included people from the Bridgton Hospital/Central Maine Medical Care, NFI North-Bridge Crossing, Journey Magazine, Main Eco Homes, CMMC Lewiston/Rumford, TOA-Mobile Crisis, Better Life Partners, and Crooked River Counseling, according to Martin.

Some networking happened during the walk and afterwards, too.

“People who participated in the walk were given a tour if they had never been here and immediately felt so welcome when they stepped inside. Some organizations wanted to partner up with upcoming community events,” she said. “Each year, we are hoping to have more people join us in bringing awareness to mental health.”

“As a person who has struggled with my own mental health, I am my best advocate. It is important to know how to help yourself and if you don’t recognize it, be able to rely on the people who you are closest to you to help you through it,” Martin said.

“Whether it is through advocacy or by bringing you somewhere that can help you. There are people out there who do want to help, but sometimes they just don’t know how. You do not have to do this alone,” she said. 

The recovery center might have a solution for some people.

“All services at Lakes Region Recovery Center are free. We offer groups/classes geared towards mental health. We also provide peer to peer, one on ones. That means we will sit with an individual, support them, help them set goals, get in touch with other services they may need and many other supportive roles,” she said.

Martin offered some words of advice for those concerned how to help someone who might be struggling with mental health issues.  

“I would ask that you check in on people. Go the extra mile. Be Kind,” she said. 

For more information, go to the website www.lrrcbridgton.org or call (207) 803-8707.