February is often associated with love and relationships, but staying connected is important for everyone, not just couples, all year long. Good relationships help us feel supported, reduce stress and improve mental health. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), strong social ties can lower the risk of depression and anxiety and help people recover.
Why Relationships Matter
Healthy relationships can:
- Give us someone to talk to when life gets hard.
- Help us manage stress and feel less alone.
- Support recovery for people dealing with mental health or substance use issues.
Tips for Building Healthy Connections
- Healthy relationships start with caring for yourself. Plan time to give yourself attention or plan a healthy activity.
- Support and listen to others to show you care. Validate others' experience without trying to solve problems right away. Ask others if they would like you to listen or if they want your advice.
- Set healthy boundaries. Determine limits and rules for yourself in relationships.
- Spend time with someone you care about doing things you enjoy. Look for opportunities to appreciate moments of laughter or a smile.
- Ask for help when you need it. You might find that when you ask for help there are those around you who will answer the call and support you. Those who care for us are not mind readers, we must find the courage to ask.
Building healthy relationships isn’t always easy. Stress, communication problems and substance use can make things harder. That’s when a professional can help ease the intensity and support getting back on track.
How Fairfax County CSB Can Help
The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) offers programs to help people and families build stronger connections including:
- Mental Health Counseling. Individual and family therapy to improve communication and coping skills.
- Youth & Family Services. Support for youth ages 3 through 23 and families facing behavioral health challenges.
- Peer Support Programs. Opportunities to connect with people who understand what you’re going through.
- Substance Use Treatment. Services to help individuals and families to address substance use and rebuild trust.
- Emergency Services (24/7). Immediate help for mental health crises.
The 988 Lifeline is also available for you to call, text or chat any time day or night for immediate crisis support. There are many reasons that people contact 988 beyond suicide, including loneliness, bullying, and relationship troubles.
Contact the CSB
If you or someone you love needs extra professional support, reach out today. Call the CSB’s Entry, Assessment and Referral Unit at 703-383-8500 TTY 771, Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
For emergency mental health or substance use issues, walk-in services are available 24/7 at the Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health or call 703-573-5679 TTY 711.
Contact for media inquiries: CSBCommunications@fairfaxcounty.gov.