Reviewed by: Callie Morrison
5 mental health myths + Birmingham resources you need to know about
Reading time: 4 minutes
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While the holidays can be joyful and connecting, this season can also be stressful and lonely for some people. This includes some of our friends and family right here in Birmingham.
We tapped some resources and advice from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama (BCBSAL) for some professional perspectives on the topic of mental health.
Myth #1: Medication is the only treatment for mental health issues
Truth: Treatment for mental health problems can vary and may include therapy, lifestyle changes, support groups and medication if necessary.
Your life experiences are unique, so your treatment should be, too.
While medication can help alleviate symptoms of certain conditions, it’s also important to consider other practices:
- Avoid using alcohol, nicotine or drugs—including medications not prescribed for you.
- Connect with others you trust to share how you are feeling.
- Get outside + get moving
- Some of our favorite walking spots: Oak Mountain State Park, Railroad Park, Jemison Park Greenway or the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
- Keep your body nourished with healthy meals.
- Consider picking up locally grown fruits and veggits from your local farmers’ market, like the Alabama Farmers Market, The Market at Pepper Place or the West Homewood Farmers Market.
- Maintain a regular bedtime + wake-up time.
Myth #2: You can “snap out of it” or “think positive” to cure mental health problems
Truth: Mental health conditions are not just a matter of attitude—they often require professional treatment and support.
Conditions like anxiety, depression or substance abuse can affect people of all ages, races, ethnicities and genders.
You can respond to your symptoms in a healthy and effective way through self-education, medical diagnosis, and recommended steps from your doctor.
Use this BCBSAL resource to sort through Birmingham mental health care providers, based on your specific needs.
Myth #3: You can tell if someone has a mental health issue by looking at them
Truth: Mental health conditions are not always visible, and many people hide their struggles behind a smiling face.
The bad news: mental health issues do not discriminate.
The good news: none of us are alone.
No matter how well someone masks their struggles, leading with empathy and kindness is always the way to go, whether you’re at work, walking at Railroad Park, grabbing lunch at the Pizitz or browsing online.
Myth #4: Mental health issues are a sign of weakness
Truth: Mental health struggles are not a sign of weakness; they can affect anyone regardless of their resiliency.
Reaching out for help around your struggles is the ultimate sign of strength! No matter your age or the severity of your situation, many helpful and confidential resources exist to offer support:
- Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call/ text 988 or start a live chat.
- Domestic Abuse Hotline: 800.799.7233
- Substance Abuse + Mental Health Services National Helpline: 1.800.662.HELP (4357)
- Alabama Crisis Center: Visit the website or call:
- Main Line: 205.323.7777
- Teen Line: 205.328.5465
- Kids’ Help Line: 205.328.5437
- Senior Talk Line: 205.328.8255
Myth #5: Seeking therapy is only for people with severe mental disorders
Truth: Therapy can benefit anyone dealing with life’s challenges, from everyday stress to more severe mental health issues.
Therapy is a resource that shouldn’t be used exclusively during the darkest parts of life, but rather exists a resource that can (and should!) be tapped into for regular support.
Check out more mental health resources at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama.
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