May is Mental Health Awareness Month - Events and Resources

 

Mental Health Awareness Month, observed every year during the month of May, is an opportune time to fight stigma, provide support, increase awareness and remind individuals of the services and resources that exist to support the millions of people impacted by mental health issues.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), nearly one in five people experience a mental health concern each year. If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health issue, you are not alone and resources are available.

 

Help is Available

For urgent mental health-related distress, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 703-527-4077 or 9-8-8, or text “CONNECT” to 855-11.

In a mental health or substance use emergency, help is just a phone call away and walk-in services at the Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health are available 24/7. Call CSB Emergency Services at 703-573-5679, TTY 711.

For non-emergency CSB services, call Entry & Referral Services during normal business hours, Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 703-383-8500, TTY 711. Staff can take calls in English and Spanish and can access interpreters for other languages when needed.

Learn more about accessing quality care for children and youth on the Healthy Minds Fairfax website.

 

Support Groups for Parents and Teens

“Heads Up” and “Talk it Out” are weekly virtual concurrent groups.  Heads Up is for teens between the ages of 14-17 who are working through emotional, mental health or substance use challenges. Talk it Out provides support, education and resources to their parents and guardians.

For more information or to get the access code to join the groups, contact Anna Davis (703-383-8404) or David Edelman (703-481-4008).

 

Promoting Positive Mental Health

Free, confidential online mental health screenings are also offered by the CSB. Completing these anonymous screenings will help determine if recent thoughts or behaviors may be associated with a common, treatable mental health issue. Remember that promoting positive mental health and creating good habits to support our mental health takes practice and awareness.

 

Upcoming Mental Health Events

Question, Persuade, and Refer Suicide Prevention Training

• The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board is offering a free online class that will provide information and resources to save a life. The QPR (Question, Persuade, and Refer) gatekeeper training is designed to assist in recognizing the warning signs of suicide and helping someone in crisis.
• Register for May 2 session (1 p.m.)
• Register for May 18 session (9 a.m.)
• Register for May 30 session (6 p.m.)

Celebration of Acceptance: Recognizing Pride Through Children’s Mental Health Awareness and Inclusion

• Join us for an exciting in-person event at the James Lee Community Center in Falls Church, dedicated to promoting children’s mental health and fostering a culture of acceptance.
• May 3, noon to 3 p.m.
• Register

Virtual “Talk. They Hear You.” Underage Drinking & Substance Use Presentation

• “Talk. They Hear You.” is a national substance use prevention campaign that encourages talking with children early about alcohol and other drugs. This presentation will highlight risks of underage drinking and other drug use, trends in youth alcohol and other drug use, protective factors and local resources and information.
• Register for May 9 session (6 p.m.)
• Register for May 21 session (10 a.m.)

Virtual Opioid Overdose & Naloxone Education Training

• The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board offers Opioid Overdose and Naloxone Education trainings to teach individuals what to do and not do in an overdose situation, how to administer naloxone, and what to do afterwards. Upon successful completion of the training, residents of Fairfax County and the Cities of Fairfax and Falls Church can receive a free box of naloxone upon request.
• Register for May 10 session (10 a.m.)
• Register for May 13 session (2 p.m.)
• Register for May 22 session (6 p.m.)

Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Training

• Adverse Childhood Experiences, known as ACEs, can have profound effects on the well-being of an individual and on a community. Trauma can increase the likelihood of developing a chronic disease.  There is hope. One stable and caring relationship can mitigate the impacts of trauma. Join a free presentation on “Building Resilient Communities and Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)” to learn how hope and connection can buffer ACEs.
• Register for May 14 session (12:30 p.m.)
• Register for May 30 session (10 a.m.)

Pathways to Wellness Annual Conference

• The annual Pathways to Wellness conference will convene at the Richard J. Ernst Community Cultural Center. This year’s theme is Sparking Hope, Igniting Resilience.
• May 17, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• General admission is $30, and the needs-based discount admission is $10
• Register

 

Health and Wellness Webinars for Family Caregivers of Older Adults

A Health & Wellness Vision Board Journey

• During this workshop, Julia Kay, certified life coach and certified health and wellness coach, will provide step-by-step instructions, tips and inspiration to help you craft a vision board. Through a series of interactive exercises and discussions, you'll gain clarity on your goals and create a visual representation of your dreams. 
• May 3, noon

Filling My Cup: Gratitude Journaling for Self-Care

• In this Gratitude journaling workshop, Alina Liao, founder of Zenit, will teach caregivers how to use journaling as a tool to proactively support self-care in their daily lives. Alina guides you through journaling focused on practicing gratitude to support self-care and mental wellness. 
• May 10, noon

Resistance Training for Caregivers

• In this workshop, Shannon Royce, NAFC certified personal trainer, functional aging specialist, and certified training the older adult specialist, will provide caregivers with exercises, stretches and breathing techniques to help strengthen the muscles in their legs, back and hips. This will assist with maintaining a more upright posture and longer gait steps. Shannon will discuss the purpose of strength training and talk about its importance in overcoming or slowing down conditions that primarily affect adults as they age, such as sarcopenia (muscle loss), osteopenia (bone loss) and obesity.
• May 17, noon.

Transformation by Affirmation

• This workshop is taught by Stephan Goldberg, founder and president of Optimus Performance, who will inform and provide practical exercises to utilize affirmations as a tool to achieve personal goals and to affect a change in attitude and perspective. The workshop will focus on the purpose of affirmations, the benefits, and how to write and use affirmations to achieve desired outcomes. Participants will be able to ask questions and practice writing affirmations as the workshop progresses.
• May 31, noon