Alexandria Residents: Mental Health Resources to Access and Share During Mental Health Awareness Month
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
- Resilience Week Virginia 2021 (May 2-8): daily ideas for building resilience in personal lives as well as the community
- Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week (May 3-7) and Children’s Mental Health Day (May 6): tools and resources to strengthen children’s mental health
- Older Americans Month: awareness of services and supports for older adults, their strength and resilience and the power of connection and engagement in building strong communities
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.
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