In the wake of three teenage suicides in the span of 10 days in Prince William County, many parents and families may be asking what they can do to help and what resources are available to the community.

For those interested in paying their respects to Kirsten Adler, friends and members of the community on Facebook are commemorating the Woodbridge High School junior through the group "R.I.P. Kirsten Adler."

While Woodbridge Senior High School is making voluntary group and individual counseling available throughout this week there are other alternatives available in the community.

Prince William County Schools distributed a Suicide Prevention Resource booklet for parents on their website which is accessible through the PDF on Woodbridge Patch.

The booklet contains emergency contacts, contact information for area support groups as well as a description of how children respond to trauma and a quick reference guide for parents concerning emotional and safety support.

One community organization, the Greater Prince William Community Health Center, offers free and confidential depression information and screening sessions at their central Prince William County location off of Ridgewood Center Drive.

In these sessions, a depression screener speaks to attendees about symptoms, triggers, coping strategies and treatments for depression. The next session of this depression seminar is on Nov. 17 at 6 p.m. at the center's location.

Help can also be obtained from a family doctor, the Greater Prince William Community Health Center, and at individual grief meetings in the community. Such meetings are located at Grace United Methodist Church and Bethel Lutheran Church in Manassas.

Compassionate Friends, a group at Grace United Methodist, can be reached through Ken Adams at 703-361-6574 and the Bereavement Support Group at Bethel Lutheran can be reached at 703-368-3943.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Services Administration operates a hotline for suicide prevention, available at 1-800-273-TALK, for more information if you suspect you or someone you love is at risk for suicide.

Dr. Erika Borrayo, behavioral health director of the Greater Prince William Community Health Center, shared a list of depression warning signs and tips with Woodbridge Patch, also available for download via the PDF selection above.

Warning Signs of Depression:

• Increased isolation from loved ones and friends
• Decreased interest in previously enjoyed activities
• Increased crying
• Feeling depressed/sad for most of the day, nearly everyday
• Feeling empty
• Significant weight loss or weight gain
• Sleep disturbance; insomnia or hypersomnia
• Psychomotor agitation or retardation (motor agitation or motor slowing), this is observable
• Loss of energy
• Decreased libido
• Increased hopelessness
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Difficulties concentrating
• Difficulties making decisions, even minor ones
• Suicidal thoughts

What to do if you suspect depression in a loved one:

• Encourage them to get treatment, e.g. therapy and possibly medications
• Provide empathy and support.
• Listen to them.
• Do not minimize their feelings.
• Try to offer them hope; e.g. with treatment, effort, and time the depression can lift.
• Remind them that there is help available and encourage them to utilize it.

Emergency Contact Information (Courtesy of Prince William County Schools)

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

Police Department 703.792.6500
Prince William County Child Protection Services 703.792.4200
Prince William Hospital 703.369.8337
Potomac Hospital 703.670.1313

COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Helpline 703.368.4141 Helpline (Spanish M-F 6-10 PM) 703.368.6544
Prince William County Community Services (Manassas) 703.792.7800
Prince William County Community Services (Woodbridge) 703.792.4900
Prince William Hospital 703.369.8337
Potomac Hospital 703.670.1313
Dominion Hospital (Falls Church) 703.538.2872