Suicide prevention and PTSD forum held in New Hanover County

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A community meeting was hosted by the mental health resource company Trillium Thursday, focusing on the topic of mental health. 

The event, held at the New Hanover County Government Center brought together Trillium staff, local nonprofits, and community members to discuss how they can better serve the community and address mental health challenges. 

“Sometimes people might not know about those resources,” Mackenzie Dobyns said. 

Dobyns works at One Community, a nonprofit funded by Trillium, aid the event builds connections. 

“Just having these conversations more often is a great stepping stone to really focus on the importance of these mental health issues, and just knowing that people are here for you, and you’re not alone, there is support for mental health in the area,” she said. 

One of the event’s guest speakers was COO Clark Pennington with the Independence Fund—a national nonprofit that provides mental health support for veterans. 

He says one of the common misconceptions about PTSD is that it only impacts combat veterans. 

“Any exposure to trauma can ultimately lead to Post Traumatic Stress. Doesn’t necessarily mean that it has to be combat related. So, there’s military sexual trauma, right? That exposure to that level of trauma can manifest itself and show symptoms of PTS.” 

Pennington says breaking down the stigma surrounding treatment will go a long way in getting vets the help they need. 

“Understanding that crisis can manifest itself in many different ways, and the ultimately working to a position of de-escalation and then treatment is our ultimate goal,” he said. 

If you or someone you know is in a crisis, you can call the National Suicide Hotline at 988. 

Earlier this month, President Trump ended support for LGBTQ+ youth on that hotline. For LGBTQ+ youth in crisis, you can contact The Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or by texting “START” to 678-678.