LONGVIEW, Texas — Encounters with people experiencing mental health challenges have become increasingly common for city workers on buses, at bus stops, and at the transit depot.
Tequita Dudley, director of operations at Longview Transit, said her drivers are frustrated.
"It's frustrating because they don't know how to handle it. It's frustrating because it becomes an attack on them," she said.
Dudley noted an uptick in mental health episodes, a trend supported by research showing that one in five adults in the U.S. experience mental illness each year.
"They come here, and we try to get them help or get them resources and things that they need. But it becomes very hard on us because sometimes we just can't help them," Dudley said.
In response to this issue, Dudley has started self-education efforts and shared the desire to extend training to all staff.
"I try to get as much education under my belt so I can share that with my drivers because there's not a lot of education out there for drivers in mental health, in the transit industry," Dudley said.
Dr. Evan Dolive, executive director for the Greater Longview United Way, said having tools and resources from employers and the community about how to handle stress in a productive and constructive way can be beneficial.
He added knowing who and where to go to for help is important.
"Because when you're able to connect someone, connect those dots for someone so that they can get the resources that they need," Dolive said.
Meanwhile, Dudley is reaching out to other transit agencies to explore how they are addressing mental health issues on their routes.
"We want to provide excellent service for the people in our community. So, getting that education about mental illness, mental health is important to us," Dudley said.
Dolive said there is a need for ongoing community conversations regarding mental health support.
"Continued conversation needs to continue in our community about how we're taking care of those who are going through a mental health crisis," Dolive said.
If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health crisis, call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 to seek help.