The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

WAITSBURG—This past week, suspicious activity involving a resident was shared on Waitsburg’s Helping Hands Facebook page and reported to local law enforcement. Other incidents were reported to The Times concerning the same individual during that same period. According to social media posts made by the individual’s family, he was experiencing a mental health crisis and has now sought help and under medical care.

The Times is not releasing the name of the individual and directed concerned parties to contact Walla Walla Sheriff’s department. Those of us at the paper want to support the community in efforts to take care of one another, find help for families and individuals facing health and security issues resulting from the restrictions from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The following is advice from the CDC on how to help others cope. Taking care of yourself can better equip you to take care of others. During times of social distancing, it is especially important to stay connected with your friends and family. Helping others cope with stress through phone calls or video chats can help you and your loved ones feel less lonely or isolated.

Mental health has been deeply affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with many people struggling with health and social restrictions, lack of social interaction, and financial stress. According to the National Institute of Health, there has been a significant increase in self-harm, including, substance abuse since March 2020.

I• f you or a loved one are experiencing a mental health crisis, please call the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) to help access resources near you, or text ‘NAMI’ to 741-741 to connect with a crisis counselor.

• The National Suicide Hotline has trained crisis counselors available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

• The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) can connect you with treatment and support by calling the SAMHSA National Hotline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for English, 1-888-628-9454 for Spanish, or https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org

• National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522

• National Child Abuse Hotline at1-800-4AChild (1-800-422-4453) or text 1-800-422-4453

• National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or https://hotline.rainn.org/online

• Veteran’s Crisis Line at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or. https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help/chat or text: 8388255

• The Walla Walla County Sheriff’s Office asks you contact the non-emergency dispatch by calling (509) 524-5400 to report any incident involving an individual who is acting suspiciously and may be a threat to themselves or someone. Do not engage the individual, and do not put yourself in harm’s way.

• If it is an emergency, always dial 9-1-1.