Fredericksburg Parent

22 Fredericksburg Parent and Family • September 2020 WRITTEN BY EMILY FREEHLING As "social distancing" has been prescribed to help fight the COVID- 19 pandemic, it's important to remember that what this term really means is physical distancing. Thankfully, technology, the outdoors and other means provide plenty of safe ways for us to maintain social contacts with each other, and putting effort into strengthening those con- tacts can save lives. September is suicide prevention month. In the Rappahannock Area Health District, middle-aged white males make up the majority of deaths by suicide. But the pandemic and the economic turmoil it has wrought have brought new anxieties and pres- sures to many households, while also isolating many individuals from sup- port systems that are crucial to their mental health. That makes it more important than ever to check on loved ones, know the warning signs of a mental health crisis and understand that resources that exist in this community to help people in crisis. Sponsored Material Reaching Out Support is Vital Dayton Olsen is the in-house therapist at the Sunshine Lady House for Mental Health Wellness and Recovery, a volun- tary in-house crisis stabilization unit located in the city of Fredericksburg and operated by the Rappahannock Area Community Services Board (RACSB). A large portion of the individuals he treats at the Sunshine Lady House have exhib- ited recent suicidal behaviors. Overwhelmingly, he says, social support is the most impor- tant factor in an individual's success as they seek treatment. "There is no greater predictor of positive outcomes than the extent to which someone is sup- ported by family and friends," he said. "Healing occurs through human connection. If we have an individual who is deprived of social supports or meaningful connection with others, then that is an uphill battle." Self-isolation, and withdrawing from friends and family, are key warning signs that someone may be considering suicide. For those who are struggling, it is important to fight the urge to isolate, Olsen said. "If you are experiencing a sense of hopelessness, pick up the phone and call somebody—a fam- ily, a friend, a supporter. Be honest about what is happening to you and what you are feeling, regardless of whether you even understand what is happening to you," he said. Establishing contact with an empathetic person can make all the difference, but taking that step to make contact is easier said than done. "The cruel irony of depression is that when you are at your lowest point, you feel this pull to just be alone. It feels like the phone weighs 100 pounds," he said. "Sharing that dark place feels like too much for a lot of folks." This is where loved ones can help. Difference Can Make As the pandemic continues, maintaining social connections is crucial to suicide prevention Lifetime of a the EMERGENCY SERVICES Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania and Stafford counties: 540-373-6876 Caroline County: 804-633-4148 King George County: 540-775-5064

• Cover