September is World Suicide Prevention Month and is a good time to remind ourselves that our words, actions, and support can truly make a difference in the lives of those who are facing the darkness of mental health challenges. We must acknowledge the pain that some individuals are silently enduring and let them know they are not alone. It's also a good time to share national and local resources in place to help those in crisis.
Mental health resources
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 immediately. Uncomfortable on the phone? You can chat the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988lifeline.org. Know you are not alone. There is help available, and there are people who care deeply about your well-being.
Along with the national Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, there are also several options in Loudoun for finding help for you or someone you know who is experiencing a mental health crisis or thoughts of suicide. Some of those options include:
- Student Mental Health Services: (571) 252-1200 / https://www.lcps.org/mentalhealthservices
- NAMI Northern Virginia : (571) 458-7310 / http://www.nami-northernvirginia.org
- Loudoun County Mental Health Services: https://www.loudoun.gov/1333/Mental-Health-Services
- Local Hospitals: Kandela Recovery Center / 866-259-2926 / Web Link Here / Embark Behavioral Health (571) 977-5298 / Zinnia Healing 877-261-2702 / North Spring Behavioral Health Care (703) 777-0800 or (703) 554-6300 / Inova Loudoun Behavioral Health (855) 802-1592 /
 Infographic by NAMI |
Find warning signs and risk factors of suicide, what you need to know about youth suicide, crisis resources, and more on NAMI.org.
Offer kindness, empathy, and support
During this World Suicide Prevention Month, let's be a beacon of hope for those in need. Our willingness to offer unwavering support, paired with our capacity to listen without judgment, can alter the trajectory of someone's life. Together, we can work towards creating a community where mental health is openly discussed, where struggles are met with compassion, and where every individual knows that they matter.
Let's unite in kindness, empathy, and solidarity. Let's light up the darkness with love and understanding. Remember, there's always hope – and there's always help.
