Article by Angela Bates, Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board
(Posted 2024 May)
Nearly 1 in 5 people experience a mental health concern each year, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). More than 1 in 20 adults experience serious mental illness that interferes with or limits major life activities. Mental illness, including depression, substance use disorders, anxiety, or psychosis can happen to anyone. By talking about mental health this May, you can help shine a light on the presence of mental health issues and eliminate stigma surrounding mental illness.
How to take action:
- Enroll in one of CSB’s Mental Health First Aid courses at FairfaxCounty.gov/community-services-board/training/mental-health-first-aid. Mental Health First Aid is a public education program offered by the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board that can help communities understand mental illnesses, seek timely intervention, and save lives.
- Take CSB’s REVIVE! courses which train people on what to do, and not to do, in an overdose situation, how to administer life-saving Naloxone and what to do afterwards. Learn more at FairfaxCounty.gov/community-services-board/heroin-opioids/revive.
- Take one of CSB’s free, confidential online mental health screenings at screening.hfihub.com/northern-virginia. Completing these anonymous screenings will help you determine if your recent thoughts or behaviors may be associated with a common, treatable mental health issue.
- Practice healthy self-care strategies to improve your mental health:
- Exercise. Even a small amount can make a big difference in your day.
- Connect with someone. Make a phone call or visit with a friend or family member.
- Start a cycle of encouragement; tell others what you appreciate about them.
- Listen to music that inspires and motivates you.
- Write a poem on something you care about, or an article on something you feel is interesting.
Get involved, learn more, help your community and reduce stigma. Support is available, treatment works and people do recover. Call the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board for guidance and resources at 703-383-8500 (TTY 711). CSB Emergency Services are available 24/7 at 703-573-5679 (TTY 711). Call 911 for a life-threatening emergency.
This article is part of the Golden Gazette monthly newsletter which covers a variety of topics and community news concerning older adults and caregivers in Fairfax County. Are you new to the Golden Gazette? Don’t miss out on future newsletters! Subscribe to get the electronic or free printed version mailed to you. Have a suggestion for a topic? Share it in an email or call 703-324-GOLD (4653).