I picked up the paper this morning
And read all the daily blues
The world is one big tragedy
I wonder what I can do
About all the pain and injustice
About all of the sorrow
We’re living in a danger zone
The world could end tomorrow
But I’m not gonna let it bother me tonight
I’m not gonna let it bother me tonight
Tomorrow I might go as far as suicide
But I won’t let it bother me tonight
Life on the street is a jungle
A struggle to keep up the pace
I just can’t beat that old dog eat dog
The rats keep winnin’ the rat race
But I’m not gonna let it bother me tonight
I’m not gonna let it bother me tonight
The world is in an uproar and I see no end in sight
But I won’t let it bother me tonight … –Atlanta Rhythm Section
Depression affects approximately 14.8 million American adults, or about 6.7 percent of the U.S. population age 18 and older in a given year. Persistent depressive disorder, or PDD (formerly called dysthymia), is a form of depression that usually continues for at least two years.
After losing a friend and fellow driver to suicide, Michael Suson, a 22 year trucking veteran, was prompted to do some research on the subject of trucking-specific mental health support. He was surprised to find little to none available, and decided it was time to change the situation.
Michael went to his safety director at Steelman Transportation, where he currently works. With 120 trucks, they’re considered a pretty small operation and the employees are fairly close-knit. Donna Underwood loved the idea Michael had of starting a Facebook group directed specifically towards helping other truckers with depression and suicide. Together, with a few close friends and the support of his wife and company, Michael started Truckers for Truckers (fighting against depression and suicide).
The group is described as a non-medical platform, where drivers experiencing issues with loneliness, isolation and anxiety can find people who have experienced the same feelings with which to discuss their own issues. Administrators and members on the page reach out, offer their phone numbers and a listening ear. Posts to the group page range from questions on how to deal with prescription refills while on the road to recommendations of good restaurants and safe places to sleep.
