OTSEGO COUNTY — Losing a career can be like losing a part of yourself, experts say.

A year after Georgia-Pacific closed, people who are still having a difficult time coping may want to seek help.

According to Dr. Kevin Tate, North Country Community Mental Health clinic supervisor, primarily men who lose their jobs lose their identity.

Tate taught a career psychology class in Missouri from 1990-91.

“It’s so essential to who we are as a person that we can take care of ourselves and family,” Tate said.

During his experience, Tate has found that dealing with a job loss in a group setting, sharing stories and not trying to tackle the difficulties alone is helpful.

“We try to help identify transferable skills,” said Tate. “Losing a job could be a chance to do what you’ve always wanted to do.”

He explains that it is going to be a tough time, but it’s doable.

And job searching can be a full-time job.

“They need a lot of moral boosting,” he added.

THOSE STILL struggling in the aftermath of the plant closing may seek help from a variety of community resources:

• North Country Community Mental Health: 800 Livingston Blvd., Gaylord, 732-7558

• First Call For Help: 116 E. Fifth, Gaylord, 732-8929

• Manpower: 1349 S. Otsego Ave., Gaylord, 732-4884

• Michigan Unemployment Compensation: 866-500-0017

• Michigan Works! Service Center: 111 Michigan Ave., Gaylord, 732-3886; 4595 Salling St., Grayling, 348-8709; 12519 State, Atlanta, 785-4054

• M-TEC at Kirtland-Gaylord: 60 Livingston Blvd., Gaylord, 705-3600

• Otsego County Economic Alliance: 800 Livingston Blvd., Gaylord, 731-0288

• PMP Personnel Services: 1723 M-32 West, Gaylord, 731-5627

• United Way: 116 E. Fifth, Gaylord, 732-8929; Grayling, 344-9300

• University Center: 80 Livingston Blvd., Gaylord, 705-3700

• Catholic Human Services: 732-6761

— Jil Schult

• Visitor Comments

No comments posted.