Mental Health Awareness Month, observed every year during the month of May, is an opportune time to fight stigma, provide support, increase awareness and remind everyone of the services and resources that exist to support the millions of people impacted by mental health issues.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), nearly one in five people experience a mental health concern each year. If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health issue, you are not alone and resources are available.
Help is Available
For immediate emotional support, call, text or chat the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. 988 is a free and confidential connection to trained professionals. It is available 24/7. Learn more about 988.
In a mental health or substance use emergency, help is available 24/7. Call Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) Emergency Services at 703-573-5679, TTY 711, or walk-in to the Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health, 8221 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive, Lower Level, Fairfax. If the situation is immediately life-threatening, call 911. Ask for a crisis intervention team officer.
For non-emergency CSB behavioral health services, call Entry & Referral Services at 703-383-8500 Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Staff can take calls in English and Spanish and can access interpreters for other languages when needed. Individuals can also walk-in at the Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health, Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Services for Children, Youth and Families
In addition to serving adults, the CSB provides individual and family counseling, psychiatric diagnostic evaluations, medication management, parenting groups, peer support, crisis response, recovery supports and other services for individuals ages 3-22 (and their families) with mental health concerns and substance use disorders. Services for youth and families are available at CSB locations in addition to three community centers: the Herndon Neighborhood Resource Center, Hybla Valley Community Center in Alexandria and James Lee Community Center in Falls Church.
Call CSB Entry & Referral Services at 703-383-8500 or walk-in at the Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health to get started.
Youth Care Navigation Services are also available through the Healthy Minds Fairfax program. These services help families of children, teens and young adults up to age 25 navigate the process of finding appropriate mental health and substance use treatment services. Youth Care Navigation Services offer two tools: connection with a personal Care Navigator and a localized online search engine.
Free Online Mental Health Screening
Not sure you need help? Take a free, confidential, online mental health screening.
Stress Mitigation and Long-Term Resilience
A variety of factors can lead to increased anxiety, stress and feelings of helplessness. Utilizing immediate stress mitigation methods as well as long-term strategies to build resilience can help.
Immediate Coping Mechanisms to Mitigate Stressors
- Engage in Self-Care Activities. Practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises and yoga can help manage stress and maintain focus. Engaging in activities like art, music or crafts can be therapeutic.
- Foster Positive Communication. Practice listening without immediately reacting to understand different perspectives and reduce conflict. Focus on respectful and solution-oriented discussions.
Long-Term Strategies to Build Resilience
- Engage in Physical Activity. Regular exercise can boost mood and outdoor activities are rejuvenating. Engage in group sports or classes and incorporate activities into daily routines.
- Set Boundaries. Limit exposure to stressful situations and avoid unnecessary conflicts. Communicate healthy boundaries with friends and family.
- Practice Active Listening. Be present during stressful conversations and avoid interrupting. Reflect back your understanding of others’ viewpoints. Ask open-ended questions and demonstrate empathy and validation.
- Seek Support. Consider therapy if stress and anxiety remain unmanageable even after utilizing coping mechanisms. Take part in healthy dialogues with others facing similar challenges. Utilize mental health resources or an EAP through an employer.
Get Involved!
Question, Persuade and Refer Suicide Prevention Training
The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board offers a free online class that provides information and resources to save a life. QPR (Question, Persuade and Refer) training is designed to assist in recognizing the warning signs of suicide and helping someone in crisis
Learn more and register for virtual QPR training.
- May 8, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
- May 12, 1 to 2:30 p.m.
- May 27, 6 to 7:30 p.m. - Special Focus on Older Adults
Virtual “Talk. They Hear You.” Underage Drinking and Substance Use Presentation
“Talk. They Hear You.” is a national substance use prevention campaign that encourages parents and caregivers to talk children, teens and young adults about alcohol and other drugs. This presentation will highlight risks of underage drinking and other drug use, trends in youth alcohol and other drug use, protective factors and local resources and information.
Learn more and register for an upcoming Talk. They Hear You. session.
- May 13, 6:00 p.m.
Virtual Opioid Overdose and Naloxone Education Training
The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board offers an Opioid Overdose and Naloxone Education training to teach individuals what to do, and not do, in an overdose situation, how to administer naloxone, and what to do afterwards. Upon successful completion of the training, residents of Fairfax County and the Cities of Fairfax and Falls Church can receive a free box of naloxone upon request.
See details and register for online training:
- May 15, 10:00 am
- May 30, 9:00 am
Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Training
Adverse Childhood Experiences, known as ACEs, can have profound effects on the well-being of an individual and on a community. Trauma can even increase the likelihood of developing a chronic disease. One stable and caring relationship can soften the impacts of trauma. Attend a free presentation on “Building Resilient Communities and Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)” to learn how hope and connection can buffer ACEs.
Register for ACEs virtual training.
- May 7, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- May 21, 12:30 to 3 p.m.
Children’s Mental Health Awareness Community Celebration
The CSB is hosting their annual CSB Children's Mental Health Awareness and Acceptance Event. Each year, this event brings families and community partners together to share resources, build connections and highlight inclusive support across the region. This year’s event focuses on neurodivergent youth, featuring activities and information designed to celebrate their strengths and help families navigate available services
- Saturday, May 9, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Clemyjontri Park, 6317 Georgetown Pike, McLean
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