7 local resources + more ways to boost your mental health

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and organizations and individuals across Birmingham create spaces where mental health is discussed. It’s important to have these conversations to ensure better mental health throughout the year.

Keep reading for a few local resources, and helpful tips for a little extra boost when you need it.

7 Birmingham-area resources for mental health help

1. 2-1-1 Call Center at UWCA

• What: A free + confidential phone line that connects you to 800+ community organizations across the state.
• Get in touch:
  • Dial 211 or toll-free 1-888-421-1266.
  • Call 711 if you are hearing impaired + ask to be connected to 2-1-1 Connects Alabama.
  • Search the online database for resources.
  • Text your ZIP code to 898-211 to message a live 2-1-1 specialist.
  • Visit 211connectsalabama.org to connect online.

2. 988 Suicide + Crisis Lifeline

• What:
  • A national hotline providing emotional support + resources in English or Spanish. 
  • Can help with mental health struggles, emotional distress, substance use concerns, or if you just need someone to talk to. 
• Get in touch: 
  • Call 988
  • Text 988
  • Click here to chat
  • Reach out if you are Deaf / Hard of Hearing.

3. Catholic Family Services

• What: Counseling + family services center providing various wellness services in English + Spanish.
• Contact: Call 205-324-6561 | Website

4. Crisis Center

• What: A nonprofit whose mission is to serve the unmet needs of people experiencing personal crisis or mental health issues + respond with services that promote coping, emotional health + well-being.
• Contact: 
  • Call 205-323-7777 | Website (available 24/7) | Instagram

5. Black Women’s Mental Health Institute

• What: A national nonprofit dedicated to building awareness of + support for the mental + holistic wellbeing of Black women. 
• Contact: Call 205-440-2837 | Website | Instagram

6. Children’s of Alabama Psychiatric Intake Response Center (PIRC)

• What: Located in the Emergency Department at Children’s of Alabama, the PIRC is a free, confidential phone response center designed to help adult callers + community providers in finding mental health care for children or teens.
• Contact: Call 205-638-7472 | Website

7. Impact Family Counseling

• What: Christian-affiliated, nonprofit counseling center to provide low-cost professional counseling services to protect children + strengthen families. 
• Contact: Call 205-916-0123 | Website | Instagram

4 ways to boost your mental health

1. Create a social network + form new relationships

Surrounding yourself with people who are driven, productive and reaching for similar goals is a great way to create community. We all know Birmingham is an inclusive city. If you haven’t seen this first-hand, then here are a few ways to get involved and try your hand at something new.

• Art, music, language + more classes
• Community sports
• Free fitness + cooking sessions
• Young professionals groups

2. Get outside + get moving

Regular, consistent physical exercise is one of the best ways to improve your mood and overall physical health.

Birmingham is full of amazing walking trails and hiking hot spots. Check out a few of our favorites!

3. Eat well + maintain a healthy diet

While I love comfort foods as much as the next person, it’s important that diets are full of fruits, vegetables and lean proteins. These foods impact how our brains function, making us feel better mentally and physically.

Find your new favorite nutritious meal in Birmingham.

4. Plan daily goals + look beyond the present

Think about what in your life gives you a sense of purpose, and center your life around it! Create small, achievable goals and look ahead rather than in the past.

Whatever it is, find ways to celebrate everything in your life. Little wins add up to great achievements.

How do you boost your mental health and which local resources do you find helpful? Tag us @bhamnow and let us know.