May is Mental Health Awareness Month - Events and Resources

 

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 individuals 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 urgent mental health-related distress, call the 24/7 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 703-527-4077 or 9-8-8, or text “CONNECT” to 855-11.

In a mental health or substance use emergency, help is just a phone call away and walk-in services at the Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health are available 24/7. Call CSB Emergency Services at 703-573-5679, TTY 711, or come to the Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health, 8221 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive, Lower Level, Fairfax.

For non-emergency CSB behavioral health services, call Entry & Referral Services at 703-383-8500 during normal business hours, Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 703-383-8500, TTY 711. 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.

Learn more about accessing quality care for children and youth on the Healthy Minds Fairfax website.

 

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 3-18 (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 or walk-in at the Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health to get started.

 

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 mechanisms 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. 

 

Upcoming Mental Health Events

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) gatekeeper training is designed to assist in recognizing the warning signs of suicide and helping someone in crisis

• Register for May 10 session (9 a.m.)
• Register for May 23 session (1 p.m.)
• Register for May 27 session with a special focus on older adults (6 p.m.)

Virtual “Talk. They Hear You.” Underage Drinking and Substance Use Presentation

“Talk. They Hear You.” is a national substance use prevention campaign that encourages talking with children early 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.

• Register for May 14 session (6 p.m.)

Virtual Opioid Overdose and Naloxone Education Training

The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board offers Opioid Overdose and Naloxone Education trainings 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.

• Register for May 17 session (9 a.m.)
• Register for May 21 session (10 a.m.)
• Register for May 29 session (6 p.m.)

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. There is hope. One stable and caring relationship can mitigate 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 May 8 session (10 a.m.)
• Register for May 19 session (12:30 p.m.)

Children’s Mental Health Awareness Community Celebration

CSB Youth & Family Services is hosting an exciting community celebration packed with fun, family and powerful messages—because every child deserves to be seen, heard and supported. Event highlights include a special screening of a powerful "Stop-Bullying" video, information about CSB behavioral health resources, sweet treats, games and raffles, and an opportunity to connect.

• May 10, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Fairfax Corner

Dealing with Uncertainty and Stress in Changing Times Webinar

Individuals, regardless of their age, can struggle with how to manage uncertainty and stress being felt by themselves, their families and their friends. This webinar from the Suicide Prevention Alliance of Northern Virginia will provide some tips and techniques on how to navigate such challenges.

• Register for May 29 webinar (6 p.m.)