Affiliated Clinical Services

09/15/2025

‼️ RESOURCES ALERT ‼️

Refer to the image for crisis/support resources

09/11/2025

September 7-13 is National Su***de Prevention Week

You can make a difference by HELPING OTHERS:

When a su***de-related crisis occurs, friends and family are often caught off-guard, unprepared and unsure of what to do. The behaviors of a person experiencing a crisis can be unpredictable, changing dramatically without warning.

There are a few ways to approach a su***de-related crisis:

-Talk openly and honestly. Don’t be afraid to ask questions like: “Do you have a plan for how you would kill yourself?”

-Remove means such as guns, knives or stockpiled pills

-Calmly ask simple and direct questions, like “Can I help you call your psychiatrist?”

-If there are multiple people around, have one person speak at a time

-Express support and concern

-Don’t argue, threaten or raise your voice

-Don’t debate whether su***de is right or wrong

-If you’re nervous, try not to fidget or pace

-Be patient

Thoughts of su***de can be frightening. But by reaching out for help or checking in with family and friends, we can avoid devastating outcomes.

09/10/2025

September 10 is World Su***de Prevention Day

Su***de is a major public health challenge, with more than 720,000 deaths each year globally. The theme is "Changing the Narrative on Su***de" with the call to action "Start the Conversation". The theme is focusing on raising awareness about the importance of reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations to prevent su***des.

https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-su***de-prevention-day/2025

We can all take action to prevent su***de and to help others:

…

-Ask: Research shows that people who are having thoughts of su***de feel relief when someone asks after them in a caring way. Findings suggest acknowledging and talking about su***de may reduce rather than increase suicidal ideation.

-Be There: Individuals are more likely to feel less depressed, less suicidal, less overwhelmed, and more hopeful by after speaking to someone who listens without judgment.

-Keep Them Safe: A number of studies have indicated that when lethal means are made less available or less deadly, su***de rates by that method decline, and frequently su***de rates overall decline.

-Help Them Stay Connected: Studies indicate that helping someone at risk create a network of resources and individuals for support and safety can help them take positive action and reduce feelings of hopelessness.

-Follow Up: Studies have also shown that brief, low cost intervention and supportive, ongoing contact may be an important part of su***de prevention, especially for individuals after they have been discharged from hospitals or care services.

https://www.bethe1to.com/?_ga=2.155159032.1302455514.1660842067-1663342560.1660842067

Help someone that may be thinking of su***de with these 5 steps.

09/09/2025

September 7-13 is National Su***de Prevention Week

You can make a difference by being aware of RISK FACTORS:

Research has found that 46% of people who die by su***de had a known mental health condition. Several other factors may put a person at risk of su***de, including but not limited to:

-A family history of su***de

-Substance use: Drugs can create mental highs and lows that worsen suicidal thoughts.

-Intoxication: Analysis from the CDC indicates around 1 in 5 people who die by su***de had alcohol in their system at the time of death.

-Access to fi****ms

-A serious or chronic medical illness

-Gender: Although more women than men attempt su***de, men are 4x more likely to die by su***de.

-A history of trauma or abuse

-Prolonged stress

-A recent tragedy or loss

Thoughts of su***de can be frightening. But by reaching out for help or checking in with family and friends, we can avoid devastating outcomes.

09/08/2025

September 7-13 is National Su***de Prevention Week

Su***de is a topic that hides in the shadows. It can go unaddressed, even if we may sense someone is struggling.

You can make a difference by learning WARNING SIGNS:

-Increased alcohol and drug use

-Aggressive behavior

-Withdrawal from friends, family and community

-Dramatic mood swings

-Impulsive or reckless behavior

Suicidal behaviors are a psychiatric emergency. If you or a loved one starts to take any of these steps, seek immediate help from a health care provider or call 988 to reach the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline:

-Collecting and saving pills or buying a weapon

-Giving away possessions

-Tying up loose ends, like organizing personal papers or paying off debts

-Saying goodbye to friends and family

The American Foundation for Su***de Prevention has some great resources:

-https://afsp.org/risk-factors-protective-factors-and-warning-signs/

-https://afsp.org/national-su***de-prevention-week/

While there is no single cause for su***de, there are risk factors and warning signs which may increase likelihood of an attempt. Learning them can save lives.

09/05/2025

Somehow, summer flew by and it is already September! There are many important topics to be aware of this month. If any of these are of interest for you, click on the website for links with more information.

Month

National Recovery Month

National Su***de Prevention Month

Hispanic Heritage Month (Sep.15-Oct.15)

Week

National Su***de Prevention Week (Sep. 7-13)

Day

World Su***de Prevention Day (Sep. 10)

https://www.washcoll.edu/campus-community/health-and-counseling-services/counseling-center/mental-health-awareness-calendar.php

08/29/2025

Affiliated Clinical Services will be closed on Monday, September 1.

Have a nice weekend!

08/26/2025

Speaking of end of summer, what about going back to school? This transition can be difficult for kids, adults and families!
Maybe your kid already went back or is going back soon. Either way, here are some tips to help with the adjustment!

-Take your child to visit the new school or classroom before the first day. Attend orientations or back-to-school events

-Remind your child that teachers know that students may be nervous about the first day of school

-Point out the fun or positive aspects of school starting

-Find another child in the neighborhood you child can walk to school or ride with on the bus

-Help your child adjust to earlier bedtimes a week or two before the new school year starts

-Create a consistent bedtime routine and limit screen time before bed

Good luck 🍎

Check out this link for even more tips!

​There are many things you and your child can do to prepare for school that will make it an enjoyable experience for the whole family.

08/20/2025

Is anyone experiencing the end-of-summer-blues? The transition from summer back to school can be difficult for kids, adults and families!

Here are some tips for how to cope with the transition:

-Exercise: Yoga is a great activity for mindfulness and stress relief. Any regular and intentional movement will accomplish the same effects - go for a run or bike ride if that’s more your style, but get that body moving!

-Journaling: Use journaling to do a “brain dump” and get worries or any thoughts out before you go to bed. Journaling can help to get thoughts out of your head that continue to stew or ruminate.

-Get Some Vitamin D: Soak up the sun, while you can! Try to get 10-30 minutes of vitamin D exposure a few times per week. Don’t forget to use SPF.

-Make a Playlist of Your Favorite Songs: Listen to it while you clean, exercise, drive or relax. Find songs that make you feel good or make you feel calm.

-Practice Affirmations: Set aside 5-10 minutes everyday (especially in the morning) to do daily affirmations and get your day started on the right foot. Focus on happy and empowering thoughts. Improve your self-talk. Set your intentions for the day moving forward.

You can do this!

With the end of the summer quickly approaching, the impending start of classes, internships, and jobs may feel daunting. While this “back-to-school” season may feel even more daunting given the turmoil we have endured the past few months, we have compiled a list of soothing mindfulness activitie...

08/13/2025

It was Friendship Day on Aug 3 ❤️

Because friendships are so important, there is now a day dedicated to them. But, we really can acknowledge and appreciate our friendships any day. Whether we have a large group of friends or a small, close knit group, either way these people are important to you.

Here are some ways you can show appreciation for your new friends, close friends and all of them in between:

-Stop by to say hi

-Send them a card/note/email/text/snapchat/etc.

-Spend quality time together doing an activity you both enjoy

-Call or video chat with them

-Share memories or a shout-out on social media

-Give them a meaningful gift

-Reach out to let them know you are thinking of them

-Tell them one reason you are grateful for them

08/04/2025

Welcome to August! There are many important topics to be aware of this month. If any of these are of interest for you, click on the website for links with more information.

-Months
-Teen Mental Health Month
-Back to School Session

-Weeks and Days
-National Health Center Week (Aug. 3-9)
-National Minority Donor Awareness Day (Aug. 1)
-National Fentanyl Awareness Day (Aug. 21)
-international Overdose Awareness Day (Aug. 31)

https://stampoutstigma.com/observance-calendar/

07/29/2025

🗨 On This Episode of "Things My Provider Says" 📢

Providers usually have one-liners or phrases they share with many of their clients. We are going to feature some words of wisdom from our providers right here at ACS!

Leah Stadel, MS, LPC, NCC, tells her clients: "You are not done yet. The story isn't over yet."

She says… “I come back to this often because I believe in my client and I want them to believe in themselves - believe that they are in process of changing, healing, strengthening, and influencing.”

Check back in to hear from other providers 😃