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BRIDGTON — Nearly 100 community members turned out on April 30 for Bring Change 2 Mind, a community campaign focused on encouraging conversation to build understanding and acceptance of mental health challenges and substance use disorders.
The evening included of a viewing of the film “Paper Tigers,” followed by discussion.
“Paper Tigers” is a documentary that explores the impact of adverse childhood experiences and how a community can build resilience and transform lives to break the cycle of adversity. It depicts real accounts of some of the challenges families face every day and the power relationships and a caring community can have in transforming lives for young people who are stigmatized and ostracized. Set in an alternative high school, the film follows one community as it radically changes its approach with students after learning about the ACE study.
The ACE study identified 10 adverse childhood experiences that were prevalent in 17,000 adult study participants. The study showed that as the number of adverse experiences increased, so did the risk for challenging behaviors and negative health outcomes, including mental and substance use disorders. The film illustrated how knowledge of the study can be used compassionately to structure strategies in an environment to prevent future damages and help people reach their full potential, despite traumatic experiences.
Most importantly, it showed the incredible power and value that loving, caring and nurturing relationships can have on any individual, organizers said.
The audience discussed environments in which stigma reduction and resilience-building strategies may be incorporated, and members agreed that it is a powerful message that should be spread across the community. A majority said they felt empowered to have conversation with others and listen with compassion to those around them. As one audience member phrased it, “Sometimes just listening works.”
Mental health challenges, substance use disorders, and trauma can all make it difficult for people to manage the demands of daily life. Stigma compounds the difficulties, often preventing a person living with adverse experiences from living their fullest life or seeking effective treatment.
Those who would like to view the film may borrow it from the Bridgton Library or to rent on Amazon.
The Bring Change 2 Mind campaign comprises volunteers from a variety of backgrounds and is sponsored by Healthy Youth Healthy Lake Region and Lakes Region Substance Abuse Coalition
The public is welcome to help create a more positive future for the community by ending stigma and supporting each other, and be part of the change. Participants will build relationships with others and start genuine conversations; learn more about disorders and effective prevention and treatment resources; share information and that fact that recovery is possible.
Those interested may connect at an event or through email to explore ways of being involved, and help work together to strengthen health, productivity and success for all in the Lake Region.
For more information, contact Jana Richards at Jana.Richards@opportunityalliance.org.
