When you're in the middle of a mental health crisis, everything feels overwhelming. Your thoughts are racing, you can't think straight, and finding help seems impossible. If you're reading this from Altoona or Blair County, you're not alone – and there's help available right in your backyard.
But here's the thing: most people make crucial mistakes when reaching out for crisis support that can delay getting the help they need. These aren't character flaws or signs of weakness – they're just common pitfalls that happen when you're struggling and don't know the system.
Let's break down the seven biggest mistakes people make when seeking behavioral health crisis support in Altoona, and more importantly, how to fix them.
Mistake #1: Waiting Until You're in Complete Crisis Mode
The Problem: Most people wait until they're at their absolute breaking point before reaching out. You tell yourself you can handle it, that it's not "bad enough" yet, or that you should save crisis services for people who "really need them."
Why This Backfires: Crisis services are designed to help before you hit rock bottom. Waiting until you're in complete crisis makes everything harder – you can't think clearly, you're more likely to make impulsive decisions, and recovery takes longer.
The Fix: Reach out early. If you're having thoughts of self-harm, feeling overwhelmed for more than a few days, or notice your usual coping strategies aren't working, that's the time to call. UPMC Western Behavioral Health Altoona offers 24/7 phone counseling at 814-889-2141 (option 1). You don't need to be actively suicidal to use this service.
Mistake #2: Not Knowing Your Local Resources
The Problem: You might know about the national 988 crisis line, but you have no idea what's available right here in Altoona. So when crisis hits, you're scrambling to figure out where to go or who to call.
Why This Backfires: In a crisis, you don't have time to research options. You need to know your resources beforehand so you can access help immediately when you need it.
The Fix: Get familiar with your local options now, before you need them:
- UPMC Western Behavioral Health Crisis Center: Walk-in services Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. No appointment needed.
- 24/7 Mobile Crisis Teams: They'll come to you anywhere in Blair County
- Welcome Center: Staffed with peer specialists who understand what you're going through
- 988 National Line: Always available as a backup
Save these numbers in your phone and share them with trusted friends or family members.
Mistake #3: Thinking You Can't Afford Crisis Services
The Problem: You assume that getting help will bankrupt you, so you avoid reaching out entirely. This is especially common if you're uninsured, underinsured, or have had bad experiences with medical bills in the past.
Why This Backfires: Financial stress on top of a mental health crisis creates a perfect storm. You end up suffering longer, which often leads to more expensive interventions down the road.
The Fix: UPMC Western Behavioral Health serves all Blair County residents regardless of age or ability to pay. That means if you can't afford services, you can still get help. Don't let money keep you from reaching out – call and ask about financial assistance options.
Mistake #4: Going It Alone
The Problem: You feel like asking for help makes you weak, or you don't want to "burden" anyone with your problems. So you suffer in silence, trying to tough it out on your own.
Why This Backfires: Mental health crises are not DIY projects. Isolation makes everything worse, and you miss out on the support and perspective that others can provide.
The Fix: Build your support team before you need them. This includes:
- At least one trusted friend or family member who knows about your mental health struggles
- A relationship with a primary care doctor
- Connection to peer support services (like those available through Hope Drop In)
- Familiarity with professional crisis services
Remember: asking for help takes courage, not weakness.
Mistake #5: Not Using Mobile Crisis Services
The Problem: You think crisis help means you have to drag yourself to an emergency room or crisis center, even when you can barely get out of bed or don't have transportation.
Why This Backfires: The barriers to getting help become insurmountable. You need help but can't figure out how to physically get to it, so you give up.
The Fix: UPMC Western Behavioral Health offers mobile crisis teams that will come to you 24/7 anywhere in Blair County. This could be your home, your workplace, or wherever you are when crisis hits. You don't have to figure out transportation or worry about having a panic attack in a waiting room.
Mistake #6: Expecting One Phone Call to Fix Everything
The Problem: You call a crisis line once, maybe feel a little better, and then expect to be "cured." When the feelings come back, you get discouraged and think the help doesn't work.
Why This Backfires: Mental health recovery is a process, not a one-time fix. Setting unrealistic expectations sets you up for disappointment and makes you less likely to continue seeking help.
The Fix: Think of crisis services as the first step in your recovery journey, not the final destination. Crisis intervention is about immediate safety and stabilization. For ongoing support, you might need:
- Regular therapy or counseling
- Peer support groups
- Medication management
- Drop-in services for ongoing community support
The crisis team can help you connect to these longer-term resources.
Mistake #7: Not Having a Crisis Plan
The Problem: You wait until you're in crisis to figure out what to do. In the middle of a panic attack or suicidal thoughts, you're not capable of making good decisions or remembering important information.
Why This Backfires: Crisis situations require quick action, but when your brain is in crisis mode, you can't think clearly. You waste precious time trying to figure out your next steps.
The Fix: Create a crisis plan when you're feeling stable. Write it down and keep copies handy. Your plan should include:
- Warning signs that you're heading toward crisis
- Coping strategies that have worked for you in the past
- Emergency contact numbers (friends, family, crisis services)
- Your safety plan if you have thoughts of self-harm
- Any medications you're taking
- Triggers to avoid during crisis periods
Share this plan with trusted people in your life so they can help you implement it if needed.
You Don't Have to Navigate This Alone
Here's what you need to remember: seeking help during a mental health crisis isn't a sign of failure – it's a sign of strength and self-awareness. The resources exist in Altoona specifically to support you through these difficult times.
Whether you're dealing with depression, anxiety, panic attacks, substance use issues, or thoughts of self-harm, there are people trained to help you work through it. The key is knowing how to access that help effectively and not letting these common mistakes keep you from getting the support you deserve.
If you're reading this and recognize yourself in any of these mistakes, that's okay. Now you know better, and you can do better. Save those crisis numbers in your phone, think about your support system, and remember that help is available 24/7 right here in Blair County.
Your mental health matters, your life has value, and you don't have to face crisis alone. The community is here to support you – you just need to know how to connect with it.
Crisis Resources for Altoona/Blair County:
- UPMC Western Behavioral Health: 814-889-2141 (option 1)
- 988 National Crisis Line
- Mobile Crisis: Available 24/7 throughout Blair County
- Hope Drop In: Community support and resources
Remember: if you're having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, don't wait. Reach out now.
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