According to a new national survey conducted online by the Harris Poll* on behalf of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention, Americans overwhelmingly (94 percent) believe that suicide can be prevented. The survey also indicated that most (94 percent) would take action to help someone close to them who was thinking about suicide.

Would you know what to do if someone you care for were considering suicide?

The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) can help.

Family members, friends, and coworkers play a large role for being there for someone who might feel alone, helpless or isolated.

The CSB sponsors and provides trainings that can help people know what to do and when to do it. Trainings are online or in-person and most are free or may involve a nominal fee. Three ways to boost your knowledge on suicide prevention:

• Sign up for one of CSB's Mental Health First Aid training courses. Mental Health First Aid Introduces to risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems, builds understanding of the importance of early intervention, and teaches how to help someone who is in crisis or experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge.
• Online trainings by Kognito, a leader in online and mobile learning. Kognito modules include online simulations that help prepare adults, including educators, to recognize when young people exhibit signs of psychological stress and how to address a need for appropriate support.
• Online screening tools are free, confidential and a quick way to determine whether you or someone you care about should connect with a mental health professional. There are nine screenings to select, including, covering teen moods, anxiety, depression and others.

Other results from the survey indicated:

• Nearly 4 in 5 adults (78 percent) are interested in learning more about how they might be able to play a role in helping someone who may be suicidal.
• More than 9 in 10 adults (94 percent) think suicide can be prevented sometimes/often/all the time.
• Nearly 3 in 4 adults (73 percent) would tell someone if they were having thoughts of suicide – which shows the importance of having non-judgmental conversations.
• When it comes to their own health, 4 in 5 US adults (80 percent) say mental health and physical health are equally important. In our current health care system, however, most adults (55 percent) say physical health is prioritized over mental health.
• Almost half (48 percent) of those who have spoken with others about suicide say it makes them feel better – showing that talking about suicide does help.

Learn more about the CSB’s resources, partnerships, and opportunities to help prevent suicide. September is National Suicide Prevention Month; get involved and learn more.

*A full report on the poll is available at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention; afsp.org/harrispoll.