There’s a chance you or someone you know is struggling with a mental illness and doesn’t know what to do or where to get help. 

According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, 1 in 5 adults experiences mental illness and 1 in 6 youths ages six to 17 suffer from a mental health disorder each year in the U.S. Half of all lifetime mental illness begins by the age of 14, and 75 percent begin at 24. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people aged 10 to 34.

There’s help just a click or phone call away, as Mental Health America of Fredericksburg (MHAF), founded in 1955, strives to improve people’s mental health and wellness through education, advocacy and supportive services. The nonprofit organization provides a HelpLine Provider Resource with information about local mental health professionals and agencies.

MHAF’s “Live Life, Love Life” Teen Support Group is a course for teenagers with anxiety, stress and depression that prevents them from living the life they want. Middle and high school students learn to identify the signs and symptoms of suicide and depression and ways they can help others through the Suicide Prevention Education Program. Acknowledge, Care, Tell (ACT) is used as the steps to take if they or their friends need help.

The Survivors of Suicide Loss Support Group helps those who are coping with the loss of a loved one. The group provides information about the grief process and how to cope, as well as a forum to share grief and memories and meet others in the same situation.

Socially isolated senior citizens can become connected to the community by participating in the Senior Visitors Program, where trained volunteers visit their homes every week. 

For a full list of services, volunteer opportunities and to donate, visit the website at mhafred.org. For more information, call 540-371-2704 or email [email protected]. MHAF is located at 618 Kenmore Avenue, Suite 2A, in Fredericksburg.