Maine Military Supply closed for a day after a woman died by suicide in the store.
Maine Military Supply remained closed on Tuesday after a woman committed suicide in the store. The town of Holden, Maine, shook with shock and sadness as the news of a woman killing herself in the store made the news on Tuesday.
The incident happened in the store situated on Route 1A. Holden Police Chief Eduard Benjamin said no other people were hurt or involved in the incident.
Emergency services were called to the scene. The authorities who responded at the location were the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office, Holden Police Department, Holden Fire Department, and Brewer Police Department. An investigation is underway to learn about the circumstances that led to the incident.
The store remained closed for the rest of Tuesday and will reopen on Wednesday. A sign at the store read,
“Emergency closure for the day (Tuesday), we apologize for any inconvenience.”
The Maine Military Supply store sells a variety of items, including clothes of all ranges of sizes for every season for men, women, and children, gloves, hats, boots, and other things. But it specializes in military items, including tactical gear, guns, ammunition, knives, crossbows, and hunting, fishing, and outdoor activities supplies. It also offers a 4,000 sq. ft. shooting range where you can bring your gun or rent from the store and a paintball course.
The community has shown safety concerns for years over the rising cases of gun violence. The general public should not have easy access to dangerous weapons. Access to firearms should only be granted with certification and license. Before allocating a firearm license, adequate background checks and mental stability tests should be conducted
Furthermore, the stores providing the firearms should be educated about the signs of depression and self-harm so they can remain vigilant and report anyone with the symptoms to the authorities immediately instead of handing them a weapon with which they can potentially harm others or themselves.
A social media user, Krista Kilby, shared her concerns over mental health issues and the availability of firearms. She wrote,
“This is why mental health checks are necessary for working in a place like this.
Sending thoughts and prayers to the family and friends.”
In the modern world, mental health issue is a growing concern. According to WHO(World Health Organization), depression is a leading cause of disability. Suicide is one of the severe stages of depression. Approximately one in every five people in post-conflict settings has mental health issues. According to surveys, 3.8% of the population is experiencing depression, including 5% of adults.
Mental health treatments, counselling, and medication should be more accessible than firearms. The government should make mental health available for those with mental health issues. We should all play our part and help those suffering in silence. A sympathetic ear and kind concern for someone struggling with mental health might save their lives.
If you are struggling with mental health, please call 988, a suicide prevention hotline, or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org. You can also reach out and talk to a professional on suicide prevention services at 888-568-1112 or 800-273-TALK(8255).
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