Stress Awareness Month has been recognized and sponsored every April by the Health Resource Network since 1992. Originally setting out to decrease the amount of stress in the workplace, Stress Awareness Month now extends to supporting anyone interested in discovering ways to regulate emotions, strengthen relationships and much more. The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) provides a comprehensive range of services to support individuals at any level of need, including those with developmental disabilities.  While the term “stress” is commonly used, its meaning and impact on overall well-being merit further exploration. By examining our relationships with stress, we can identify effective coping mechanisms that improve our daily lives and foster greater wellness.

From our Executive Director

The CSB’s vision is to ensure that everyone in our community receives the support needed to live a healthy, fulfilling life which includes understanding the impact of stress on emotional wellbeing. As the county’s agency responsible for providing and coordinating a system of community-based supports for individuals and families who are affected by developmental disability, mental illness and/or substance use challenges, Executive Director Daryl Washington recently highlighted how stress awareness can help minimize the impact of challenging circumstances.

While stress can feel overwhelming, Washington noted a positive shift in how it’s addressed. “Over my 30-year tenure at the CSB, I’ve witnessed a positive shift in the conversation about stress. Culturally, there has been a significant increase in the number of public figures who are openly talking about the impact of stress and mental health issues. This empowers the general public to start questioning the role of stress in their life and to think about making positive changes.” Washington also noted how the way stress is approached has changed in clinical settings. “We’re seeing the emergence of more evidence-based recreational therapies that significantly enhance relationship building, further supporting the adaptation of healthy decision making which decreases stress.” Stress management plays a critical role in the successful care of mental health and substance use issues, and the CSB is committed to acknowledging this key relationship.

For those looking to take action to reduce stress, Washington encourages finding a personal support system and utilizing them. “Having people that I can trust who tell me what I need to hear rather than what I want to hear always helps me move through challenging situations.” Additionally, the CSB’s Wellness Health Promotion and Prevention Team offers several informative resources for community members to utilize. Specifically, the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) training provides an in-depth look at the impact of early childhood events and explores how to build resilience to improve health and wellbeing across the lifespan. Additionally, the CSB is proud to support regional crisis response efforts. For urgent mental health related distress, concerned individuals may call the Regional Crisis Call Center at 703-527-4077. Also offering 24-hour behavioral health response is the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Dialing or texting 9-8-8 will connect you to free behavioral health care and support. Chat (English only) is also available through the Lifeline’s website at: 988lifeline.org/chat.

To Access CSB Services

• If someone with a developmental disability is experiencing a mental health or substance abuse crisis, call REACH, a 24/7 regional crisis stabilization and crisis prevention service for children, youth and adults with developmental disabilities, at 855-897-8278.

• For CSB Non-Emergency Behavioral Health Services, call CSB Entry & Referral at 703-383-8500 TTY 771, Monday-Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You may also walk-in at the Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health Monday-Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and Friday 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

• For emergency mental health or substance use services, walk-in services are available 24/7 at the Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health or call 703-573-5679 TTY 711.

• If you or someone you know is experiencing a substance use crisis, call the Fairfax Detoxification Center 24/7 at 703-502-7000, TTY 703-322-9080.