Article by Angela Bates, Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board
(Posted 2025 May)
Help is available for people of any age with mental health concerns. It’s never too late to focus on wellness and reduce stress. The impact of a mental health concern on an older adult’s physical health can be severe. Depression is associated with conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Loneliness and social isolation are also linked to serious health conditions.
Getting help or supporting a loved one who is struggling with a mental health concern can feel overwhelming. The warning signs are not always obvious, but you can learn how to recognize them and what to do if they present.
The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) offers free online training courses and tools to all residents of Fairfax County and the cities of Falls Church and Fairfax.
1. The Mental Health First Aid training course, online at FairfaxCounty.gov/community-services-board/training/mental-health-first-aid, can help individuals understand mental illnesses, seek timely intervention, and save lives. This course has a fee of $25, with limited stipends available.
This course teaches participants how to help people who are experiencing a mental health concern, or potentially could be, and offers ways to:
- Assess for risk of suicide or harm.
- Listen nonjudgmentally.
- Give reassurance and information.
- Encourage appropriate professional help.
- Encourage self-help and other supports.
2. Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR) is a suicide prevention training explaining three simple yet powerful steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. The training teaches you to recognize the warning signs of suicide, ask tough questions and offer hope, and get help to save a life. Learn more at FairfaxCounty.gov/community-services-board/prevention/qpr.
3. Lock and Talk trainings can help prevent suicide by safely securing and storing firearms and poisons, including medications that can be misused. These steps are known as lethal means safety and can also help prevent accidental drug overdoses. The CSB has a limited supply of free locking medication boxes and trigger locks that fit a wide variety of firearms. Learn more at FairfaxCounty.gov/community-services-board/prevention/lock-and-talk.
4. Take a Confidential Online Mental Health Screening. Completing these anonymous screenings will help you determine if your recent thoughts or behaviors may be associated with a common, treatable mental health issue.
5. Practicing healthy self-care strategies can 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.
If you or someone you love needs help with a mental health or substance use concern, call the CSB today. 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).