Community News

Alexandria Residents: Mental Health Resources to Access and Share During Mental Health Awareness Month

Pixabay photo by Wokandapix

ALEXANDRIA, VA-in recognition of Mental Health Awareness month this May, Alexandria’s Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) is sharing mental health resources and activities for all ages. These range from events such as Resilience Week Virginia 2021 to guides on how to handle racial trauma.

Many people have experienced stress and anxiety during the pandemic. Last month the CDC released a report that indicates feelings of fear and isolation increase the risk for mental health issues such as depression.

The findings also illustrated that repeated and pervasive exposure to racism and discrimination is especially stressful to Black and People of Color.

If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, consult the following links.

Mental Health Activities

Mental Health Resources

  • COVID-19 Wellness Resource Guide, a collection of resources for people of all ages and abilities
  • Multicultural Mental Health Resources, including resources for immigrants and the LGBTQ+ community
  • Race-Based Trauma Resources, for dealing with racism and trauma on individual, interpersonal, community, national and global levels
  • Mental health online screening tool, a free, anonymous tool to help users determine whether professional consultation would be helpful
  • Kognito, a unique online training tool that uses simulation and role-play conversations to develop skills in recognizing students in mental distress and initiating conversations

Suicide Prevention 

Thinking about suicide? Someone is available to talk right now.

  • CrisisLink: 703-527-4077 or text “CONNECT” to 85511
  • Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 741741
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
    • Call 1.800-273-TALK (8255)
    • For Deaf and Hard of Hearing, use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
    • Chat with someone 24/7 online through Lifeline Chat.

Veterans can find help by contacting the Veterans Crisis Line.

  • Call 1-800-273-8255, Press 1
  • Text 838255
  • Chat confidentiality with someone online 24/7 through Crisis Chat

Spanish-speaking residents can call 1-888-628-9454

For LGBT youth in need of assistance, call The Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386. A secure and confidential text line is also available. To connect with a trained specialist text START to 678-678. Also chat online 24/7 through Trevor Chat.

Self-Help Guides

There are self-help options available. Browse the resources HERE.

Emergency Services

Experiencing a crisis? Contact Emergency Services at 703-746-3401.

ICYMI: AlexRenew Partners With PromisePay to Help Alexandria Residents Pay Sewer Bills

Kevin Dauray

Kevin is Publisher's Assistant with The Zebra Press. He has been working for Alexandria's "Good News" newspaper since 2019. A graduate of George Mason University, he earned a bachelor's in English with a concentration in Creative Writing. He also studied at the Columbia School of Broadcasting and holds a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marymount University. He is an alumnus of T.C. Williams High School. Go Titans!

Related Articles

Back to top button