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Crisis Resources

Emergency support and resources for mental health crises

If You're in Immediate Danger

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger of self-harm or suicide, please get help right away.

Mental health crises can happen to anyone, and knowing where to turn for help can be life-saving. This page provides comprehensive crisis resources, including national hotlines, local Auburn area services, and guidance on recognizing when immediate help is needed.

Remember: Seeking help during a crisis is a sign of strength, not weakness. Crisis counselors are specially trained to help people through their most difficult moments, and all services listed here are confidential and non-judgmental.

Important: This page is for informational purposes. If you're experiencing a medical emergency or are in immediate danger, call 911 immediately.

National Crisis Hotlines

These national resources provide immediate, confidential crisis support 24/7:

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Free, confidential emotional support for people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress

Phone: 988
Text: Text 'HELLO' to 741741
Available: 24/7
Languages: English, Spanish, and more

Services include:

  • Immediate crisis counseling
  • Risk assessment and safety planning
  • Local resource referrals
  • Follow-up support when possible
  • Specialized support for Veterans, LGBTQ+, and other communities

Crisis Text Line

Free 24/7 support for those in crisis through text messaging

Available: 24/7
Languages: English and Spanish

Services include:

  • Text-based crisis counseling
  • Anonymous and confidential
  • Trained crisis counselors
  • De-escalation techniques
  • Resource connections

National Domestic Violence Hotline

Confidential support for those experiencing domestic violence or abuse

Text: Text START to 88788
Available: 24/7
Languages: English, Spanish, and 200+ others via interpreter

Services include:

  • Crisis intervention
  • Safety planning
  • Information about domestic violence
  • Local shelter and resource referrals
  • Support for friends and family

Local Auburn Area Resources

These local resources provide crisis support and emergency mental health services in the Auburn area:

Auburn University Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

Mental health services specifically for Auburn University students

Address: 400 Lem Morrison Drive, Auburn University Medical Clinic
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

24/7 crisis support available

Services:

  • Individual and group counseling
  • Crisis intervention
  • Psychiatric services
  • Workshops and outreach programs
  • After-hours emergency consultation

East Alabama Medical Center

Local hospital with emergency psychiatric services

Address: 2000 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika, AL
Hours: 24/7 Emergency Department

Full psychiatric emergency services

Services:

  • Emergency psychiatric evaluation
  • Crisis stabilization
  • Inpatient psychiatric services
  • Medical clearance for mental health issues
  • Coordination with outpatient providers

Lee County Department of Human Resources

Local government services including mental health support

Address: 2212 Gateway Dr, Opelika, AL
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Services:

  • Mental health case management
  • Resource referrals
  • Family support services
  • Emergency assistance programs
  • Connection to community resources

Alabama Department of Mental Health

State resources and crisis services

Crisis Line: 24/7 crisis line

Services:

  • Crisis intervention services
  • Mobile crisis teams
  • Psychiatric emergency services
  • Community mental health center referrals
  • State hospital services when needed

Recognizing Crisis Warning Signs

Knowing how to recognize when someone (including yourself) may be in crisis can be life-saving:

Suicide Warning Signs

Immediate Action Required

Talking about wanting to die or kill themselves
Looking for ways to kill themselves (online searches, buying guns, stockpiling pills)
Talking about being a burden to others
Increasing use of alcohol or drugs
Acting anxious, agitated, or reckless
Sleeping too little or too much
Withdrawing or feeling isolated
Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
Displaying extreme mood swings
Giving away prized possessions
Saying goodbye to loved ones
Putting affairs in order, making a will

If you notice these signs: Take immediate action. Call 911, 988, or go to the nearest emergency room. Don't leave the person alone.

Mental Health Emergency

Urgent Professional Help Needed

Severe depression that interferes with daily functioning
Panic attacks that feel uncontrollable
Hearing voices or seeing things others don't
Extreme paranoia or delusions
Complete inability to care for yourself
Severe eating disorder behaviors
Manic episodes with risky behavior
Severe alcohol or drug withdrawal
Complete social isolation
Inability to function at work, school, or home

Domestic Violence Emergency

Safety Planning Required

Physical violence or threats of violence
Partner monitoring all activities and communications
Isolation from friends and family
Control of finances or basic needs
Threats to hurt children or pets
Destruction of personal property
Sexual coercion or assault
Extreme jealousy and possessiveness
Stalking or harassment
Fear for personal safety

Creating a Personal Safety Plan

A safety plan is a written, prioritized list of coping strategies and sources of support that you can use during a crisis:

Step 1: Identify Warning Signs

Recognize early signs that you're entering crisis

  • List your personal warning signs (thoughts, feelings, behaviors)
  • Notice patterns in your mood and thinking
  • Identify triggers that typically precede crisis
  • Share these signs with trusted people in your life

Step 2: Create a Support Network

Identify people you can contact during difficult times

  • List 3-5 supportive friends or family members
  • Include their phone numbers and best times to reach them
  • Let them know they're part of your safety plan
  • Identify which people are best for different types of support

Step 3: Develop Coping Strategies

Have specific activities ready to help manage crisis feelings

  • List activities that have helped you feel better in the past
  • Include both calming activities and ways to get help
  • Have a 'crisis kit' ready with comfort items
  • Practice these strategies when you're feeling well

Step 4: Remove or Secure Means

Reduce access to methods of self-harm during crisis

  • Remove or lock away potentially harmful items
  • Give medications to a trusted friend or family member
  • Avoid alcohol and drugs during vulnerable times
  • Ask someone to stay with you if needed

Step 5: Professional Support Plan

Know exactly how to access professional help

  • Have therapist and psychiatrist contact information readily available
  • Know the process for after-hours crisis contact
  • Understand when to go to emergency room vs. call crisis line
  • Have insurance and medical information organized

Remember:

Work on your safety plan when you're feeling well, not during a crisis. Share it with trusted friends, family members, and your therapist. Review and update it regularly as your life circumstances change.

Helping Someone in Crisis

Do:

Take it seriously

Always take threats of self-harm or suicide seriously, even if the person has made threats before

Listen without judgment

Let them express their feelings without trying to fix or minimize their problems

Ask directly about suicide

It's okay to ask 'Are you thinking about suicide?' This doesn't increase risk and shows you care

Stay with them

Don't leave someone alone who is in active crisis or has expressed intent to harm themselves

Help them connect with professional help

Assist them in calling crisis lines, going to emergency room, or contacting their therapist

Follow up

Check in with them regularly after the immediate crisis has passed

Don't:

Don't promise to keep it secret if someone is in danger
Don't leave them alone if they're at immediate risk
Don't argue about whether life is worth living
Don't act shocked or lecture them about suicide being wrong
Don't try to guilt them out of it ('Think about your family')
Don't promise things will get better soon
Don't take on the responsibility of being their only support

Remember: You don't have to be a professional to help someone in crisis, but you shouldn't try to handle it alone. Always involve professional help when someone is at risk.

After the Crisis

Getting through a mental health crisis is significant, but ongoing support is crucial for recovery and preventing future crises:

Follow-up Care:

  • • Schedule follow-up appointments with mental health professionals
  • • Continue taking medications as prescribed
  • • Attend therapy sessions consistently
  • • Connect with support groups
  • • Maintain regular contact with crisis counselors if available

Building Ongoing Support:

  • • Update your safety plan based on what you learned
  • • Strengthen relationships with supportive people
  • • Develop regular self-care routines
  • • Learn new coping skills and stress management techniques
  • • Consider peer support or advocacy opportunities

Hope and Recovery:

Recovery from a mental health crisis is possible. Many people who have experienced crisis go on to live fulfilling lives. Professional treatment, ongoing support, and personal commitment to wellness all contribute to long-term recovery and resilience.

Professional Support is Available

If you've experienced a mental health crisis or want to develop better coping skills, professional therapy can provide ongoing support, safety planning, and tools for long-term wellness.