Ed. — From the Sunday, May 26, print edition.
VIRGINIA BEACH — In 1949, May was declared Mental Health Awareness Month to advance education about mental health, eliminate stigma, increase support for families dealing with mental health issues and advocate for public policies that confront this important health care reality.
There are many services available to people who are facing a mental health issue, including counseling, substance abuse prevention, suicide prevention, behavioral health and alternative therapies.
The biggest impediment to treatment for mental health may be silence.
Admitting there may be a problem with a person or a loved one can be a difficult admission to make. Even in 2024, there continues to be a stigma associated with mental health, despite its being one of the most common health conditions in America. One in five Americans live with some form of mental illness, and one in 25 deal with a serious, debilitating mental illness, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
This means all of us know someone dealing with mental health issues, but a small minority of people seek help, often due to embarrassment or denial.
At the same time, more resources are available today than perhaps ever before in our history.
That’s why the month of May serves as a reminder about the importance of Mental Health Awareness every day and all year long. During this month, we prioritize discussions about mental wellness and connect with the resources we might need for ourselves or for our loved ones.
Recently, I was pleased to partner with Mayor Bobby Dyer’s HOPE initiative to host the first ever Virginia Beach Mental Health and Wellness Resource Fair. The event was an opportunity for Virginia Beach residents to learn about and connect with organizations and services related to mental health.
The important lesson to learn is that mental health issues can be treated and lives can be turned around, but making that first phone call and moving past the stigma of mental health is often the biggest obstacle.
Please be educated on these issues and share information you learn with others.
For information and help, people can contact or learn about the following:
• The National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI, offers access to local support groups and resources for families and youth, including NAMI Homefront classes for families of military service members and veterans, classes for parents with children with behavioral issues, and others. Visit namicoastalvirginia.org or call (757) 499-2041.
• Virginia Beach Human Services, a city department, is responsible for planning, organizing and providing treatment and services for children, adolescents and adults who have behavioral health disabilities. The department partners with community organizations, faith-based communities and other local agencies to provide psychiatrists, nurses, counselors and therapists, among others. Awareness sessions and training for families and youth are held monthly. Visit hs.virginiabeach.gov/behavioral-health or call (757) 385-0511.
• The Virginia Beach Psychiatric Center’s mission is to improve the quality of life for adults affected by mental health disorders. It offers a day treatment program for adults confronting a mental health disorder as well as 24/7 access to a no-cost mental health assessment. Visit vbpcweb.com or call (757) 627-LIFE.
• The Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office, under the leadership of Sheriff Rocky Holcomb, has undertaken an array of mental health initiatives within the jail population, including dedicating deputies whose primary responsibility is to work with inmates with mental health issues. The office administers job fairs, re-entry programs, and substance abuse disorder programs. Prior to these initiatives, almost all inmates with mental health problems returned to jail on another offense as quickly as six months after release. Now, almost no inmates who participate in these programs become repeat offenders. Visit vbso.net or call (757) 385-4555 for information.
• Virginia Beach Police Department Crisis Intervention Team, or CIT, is a collaboration of local departments committed to assisting community members with mental illnesses and other brain disorders. This partnership includes law enforcement officers, mental health providers and other first responders. Visit police.virginiabeach.gov/your-vbpd/explore-the-department/cit or call (757) 385-3111.
• The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. Call 988.
The author serves on the Virginia Beach City Council and represents District 3.
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