Huntsville, AL, is home to a hardy population, but that doesn’t mean people aren’t struggling. Between 2017-2019 alone, about 41% of adults in Alabama sought out some kind of mental health assistance. This was before the COVID-19 pandemic — which has only driven the numbers higher. Unfortunately, Alabama is ranked 47th (out of 51) for mental health access and care services in the United States. According to Alabama Public Health, access to mental health services is the single best indicator of overall health and wellness.
For support in your area, the Crisis Center of Birmingham is here to get you the help you need. The Alabama Crisis Line can get you in touch with local resources designed to get you through tough times.
Knowing the Signs: What Counts as a Crisis?
There’s a lot that can trigger a mental health crisis, and everybody’s threshold for what counts is different. Some people, such as single parents struggling to get by, can be overwhelmed by daily stress. Some people have relationship issues and need a friendly voice to hear them out, while others are experiencing a severe and immediate mental health emergency. Some might be wrestling with a drug or alcohol addiction that demands attention and recovery.
There’s no official line you have to cross before your issues count as a crisis. The golden rule is that if you feel overwhelmed, you deserve help. This could be the first time you’ve felt this way, or it could be a day in the life. You could feel pushed by external events, such as the death of a loved one, or there may be no obvious cause. Regardless, you’re not weak or silly for asking for help. You’re taking a brave and necessary step by calling the Crisis Center in Huntsville and asking for a referral.
Reaching Out for Help: What Can a Crisis Center in Birmingham Do?
While it may not be possible to diagnose and treat a mental health crisis over the phone, the compassionate professionals on a crisis line can hear you out and point you toward the resources you need. The Alabama Crisis Line operates 24/7, and there’s never a charge or obligation to calling and asking for help.
Privacy Concerns: Are You in Trouble?
A lot of people in crisis don’t want to get help because they’re afraid of what might happen. Some people think they may lose their kids if they express a mental health concern, while others fear exposure, ridicule or losing their job. Some people even have warrants or are on no-contact release conditions and worry that going to a local crisis center in Birmingham might get them arrested.
None of these things are true. You can ask for help anonymously if you like, and the things you discuss with a professional over the phone are confidential and won’t be made public. No one believes you should suffer consequences because you were brave and insightful enough to recognize when you needed help.
Getting Started: Local Resources From the Alabama Crisis Line
Here’s a quick list of some local resources you can reach out to in the Birmingham-Huntsville, AL, area:
National Suicide Prevention Line
Emergency intervention and local referrals for lifesaving mental health care.
(800) 273-TALK (8255) | (800) SUICIDE
National Youth Crisis Hotline
Mental and behavioral health referrals and assistance for kids.
(800) 442-HOPE (4673)
NAMI- Huntsville
Education and advocacy from a local nonprofit. They operate a 24/7 helpline.
(256) 534-2628
WellStone Behavioral Health
Licensed mental health care from a service with sliding cost rates.
(256) 533-1970
Huntsville Hospital
Expert mental health and psychiatric care.
(256) 265-8123
Veterans Crisis Line
Interventions, referrals and suicide prevention specifically for veterans and their families.
(800) 273-8255
Teens! Stressed Out?
Text 256-722-8219
Crisis Services Helpline
256-716-1000 or 1-800-691-8426
JBS Call-In Number
Individualized person-centered case management services.
(205) 595-4555
Asking for Help: You’re Not Alone
Everybody needs help sometimes. Deciding to ask for it is a smart, positive step in the right direction. Don’t put it off any longer — call the Mental Health Hotline right away and get the support you need to thrive.