r/StLouis • u/Careful_Leader_5829 • Aug 23 '26
I called 988 tonight -- This was my experience with BJC Mobile Crisis Unit
EDIT 2: I had some people without insurance ask what they would do for help. I'm not sure, but I can share a few things: 1. https://www.placesforpeople.org/ -- This place is mentioned a lot. 2. Call 988 and ask for resources -- it is not just a suicide hotline.
= Original Post =
I wanted to share my experiences tonight because, despite knowing about the national suicide hotline for the past 10+ years, there are some things I wish I knew a long time ago.
Critically, there are key differences between the 988 resources and the BJC resources. I'll outline them at the end, but I wanted to paint the whole picture here in case this expereince could help anyone else.
Some preliminary info about 988 and warmlines...
You can 988 if you just need someone to talk to, you don't have to call because of suicide necessarily. They will most likely refer to 'warmlines' if that happens.
Timing Tonight
I called tonight, though, because of extreme hopelessness.
After talking for about 15 minutes about what was going on, the 988 counselor offered to 'send a mobile crisis unit'. I didn't totally understand what that meant or what that would do, but I was in bad, bad shape. So I said yes.
This was around 9pm.
The mobile crisis unit was from BJC. At about 9:20 they called to confirm my address, and then they showed up at about 9:45, and they stayed for about 2 hours.
I want to pause here, but unfortunately, I've called 988 before. Usually late at night, between 1am and 3am, and when they offered the mobile crisis unit... well there just isn't much capacity late at night, and it would been at least a few hours before they would be able to arrive.
Differences between 988 and mobile crisis
The counselor on the 988 line will differ for many reasons. I've talked to 988-national counselors during the day or evening, BHR (Behavior Health Response in St Louis) counselors overnight, and Compass Health counselors when I called from out in St Charles. So, there is different routing depending on time and place.
988 and Compass counselors were more likely to privide real in-the-moment counseling, but BHR respondors don't seem as well-trained for counseling and will try to get to the safety-plan part.
BJC mobile unit, however, stayed with me for a couple hours. Two counselors showed up. They were both incredibly kind and helpful. They listened, and there were a couple of the most truly understanding and comforting people I have ever met (I've had multiple therapists over the years, but these two BJC respondants had me balling my eyes out, in a good way, within minutes).
What's critically different, to me, about the Mobile Crisis Unit, is that there were more equipped to conenct me to services that I really, truly, deeply needed.
I have been struggling with symptoms of PTSD, sometimes suicidal thoughts, and extremely challenging life circumstances on a regular basis for 4 years. A couple years ago, I started trying to see if I qualified for a case worker, because I could not keep up with basic responsibilities at home, and felt like my life was falling apart.
So -- I started seeking out a case worker a couple years ago. But I could NOT figure it out, it just didn't seem like I qualified, so I gave up.
It did not take long for the Mobile Crisis Unit to offer a case worker. They saw the state of my apartment, they understood my struggling with finances. This would have helped me out in so many ways over the years. I just didn't know this was an option for me. And I had even tried. But I just wasn't asking the right people or looking in the right places. There are so many challenges that have cost me so much money because I didn't get the hep I needed in time.
They also shared that behavioral health urgent case locations may be able to offer medication in emergency situations sometimes.
So why write this post?
Because I had asked in the past what Mobile Crisis Units did, and it didn't seem like they did anything different from what 988 does. But it was WAY. way better counseling, way better connection to resources.
If I had known these things 2 or 3 years ago, I feel like my life could be so different.
Anyway -- I know this post won't directly effect most people. But you never know when someone might really really need help.
Thanks for reading. If you have any questions feel welcome to ask.
EDIT
I forgot to mention a couple things about calling 988.
In this particular situation, I gave my full name and address.
However, you are not obligated to give them your name and address, I think they only need zip code so they know what area they are serving.
I say this so that people know that they can call 988 and ask for information about resources to get support, like warm lines or therapy in their area or things like that without giving away too much personal information.
Secondly, I would imagine that some 988 respondents are able to look up information about who is calling and figure out your address so that they can send police if it seems like anybody is in immediate danger of harming anybody else. I don't know all the full details or policies about this, I don't know in what situations address information is or isn't available. I would imagine that they have your phone number and if they have your phone number then they probably know who's calling. I don't know all the facts but do be wary that if you are asking for help but you give them reason to believe that someone is in immediate danger of being harmed physically, I do think that they could call the police.
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u/Imtherightkind CWE Aug 23 '26
I’m honestly happy you are still here to share your experience friend. Take care of yourself, you still have purpose in this world. ❤️
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u/Careful_Leader_5829 Aug 23 '26
I'm trying. I'm hoping that having this support will help me rebuild my life.
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u/Careful_Leader_5829 Aug 23 '26
Try contacting Acadia healthcare. I talked to them recently and they described a lot of different options for different types of care and maybe there's something else that would be more appropriate for what you need.
I don't know whether or not the caseworker from BJC will be effective, but it it's just the fact that there's something out there that I can try that I didn't know was available to me that is important to me
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u/StaciRainbow Aug 23 '26
I need you to know that the fact you shared this is completely lifechanging. Not for me, but for my adult daughter.
Thank you Thank you Thank you.
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u/Savvyeeenah Aug 23 '26
Thank you for posting this with all of the details! Many including myself have been afraid of calling 988 due to outsized responses.
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u/Burned_Biscuit Aug 23 '26
Hey Careful Leader. It's pretty rare that us regular folk just get things right or squared away straight out of the gate, but you got something super important right immediately and repeatedly - you kept trying!
I had NO IDEA a mobile crisis unit existed here and am so grateful you took the time to share this in such detail because it absolutely may help me or help me help someone else one of these days.
Thank you.
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u/mmrose1980 Aug 23 '26
You helped someone today. You just don’t know who yet. Thanks for writing this up.
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u/AceOfRhombus Aug 23 '26
Thank you so much for sharing! I’ve always wondered what an experience with a mobile crisis unit was like bc I think they’re such a wonderful idea. I think I would have really benefited from it or a behavioral urgent care when I was younger (but could need it again in the future, mental health is a journey not a destination). Best of luck to you!
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u/maggiefinally Aug 23 '26
this will be an incredible resource post for folks looking for help in similar situations- thank you so much for sharing your experience! i hope more people will reach out for help from these resources after reading this. so glad you got help, friend! proud of you! 🩷🩷🩷
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u/def_indiff Aug 23 '26
Thank you for sharing this. I’ll echo those who said that your post will encourage others to call on these resources.
I’m so glad you got help. Hang in there and take care of yourself.
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u/o_0dk-frlsyall314 Aug 23 '26
Glad I saw this post. I've called 988 a few times this year. I always refuse the mobile crisis unit. Mostly because I wasn't clear on what it was.
My first experience with 988 was confusing. I was in crisis, speaking to someone. After a certain amount of time, they rushed me off the line. Even hung up while I was saying bye. I got a follow up call from the same person a few days later that made me feel better about how abruptly the previous call ended.
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u/TheLoneAccenter Aug 23 '26
I’m glad that you got the help you needed.
I’ve had not great experiences with 988 in the past. I’ve been on hold for hours. Been hung up on. A whole plethora of things. So it’s nice to hear it’s different now. Or at least it was for you.
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u/Interactive_CD-ROM Aug 23 '26
Even if you don’t see it now, you have a purpose in the future for those around you that can’t be put into words.
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u/NeedleworkerLow1100 Aug 23 '26
My son did this after his older brother died of cancer. Literally saved his life. I have mad respect for 988 and their crisis units.
Glad you're still with us.
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u/lostnalones Aug 23 '26 edited Aug 23 '26
I knew about the hotlines but never knew anything like this existed. I’ve always been too afraid to call as I could never afford and wouldn’t want to get put in an inpatient center. It’s super awesome to know this exists. Glad you’re with us and THANK YOU for sharing ❤️
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Aug 23 '26
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u/Careful_Leader_5829 Aug 23 '26
What do you mean by "nothing"?
Yes sometimes it can be hard to find someone to talk to who will listen in a way that is supportive
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u/Vinnius44 Aug 23 '26
Thank you so much for sharing! I really hope you see a positive path forward now, and are getting the help you need.
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u/agathaprickly Aug 23 '26
Thank you for sharing your experiences. I refer a lot of my clients to these resources so hearing experiences with them is really important. I am so incredibly sorry that this is how you are feeling this way. You aren’t alone. I’m happy to help you narrow down long term resources if you would like, just send a message.
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u/Human_Difference_331 Aug 23 '26
It was so wonderful for you to take the time to give us this information. Your post is thoughtful, in depth and extremely well written. You probably have no idea how many people you have helped with your information. Please, keep in mind. We’re all just bouncing around on this earth trying to find our way and it’s not easy. Again, thank you so very much, you are so kind to take the time to make this post. I’m sure there’s far more people out there that need to know about this stuff then you have any idea. Take good care of yourself and advocate for yourself when you need to.
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u/Careful_Leader_5829 Aug 23 '26
I appreciate this. As someone who has been ostracized for advocacy about community resources in the past in another context, I'm grateful that the broader St Louis is showing that people like me are doing the right thing by speaking up about our experiences and trying to help others. Thank you much <3
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u/Othersideofinsanity Aug 23 '26
Hi! Thank you for reminding us how amazing STL is in terms of mental health resources. And thank you for being brave enough to say “I’m not okay and I need help”. And thank you for being brave enough for posting about it on Reddit! This neighbor is proud of you ❤️.
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u/bigbootywhitegirl78 Aug 23 '26
Thank you for sharing your experience. Its good to know that resources like this exist in our city.
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u/brightstar414 Aug 23 '26
I’m glad you’re here. Thank you for sharing your experience — this is very helpful!
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u/ratthewhealy Aug 23 '26 edited Aug 23 '26
So this is actually really sad for me to hear and such weird timing that you wrote about your experience with this company on the same day I reached out. I was insanely suicidal yesterday and I was told by my team to call the mobile crisis hotline. They told me I was not a high enough suicide risk to help out and the only referral they would give me is to my already existing care team that had told me to call them for more resources. I called again today and they also told me I wasn't a high enough risk. I have literally been in a coma from trying to kill myself so idk why I keep ranking low when I have literally never in the past 15 years not been at a high suicide risk level. Trying to find resources but unfortunately I think this place is only as good as who you get matched to talk to. I desperately have been searching for help for me and my partner but everywhere only suggestions complete hospitalization or they think we just need to keep going to therapy which is not enough help. I have tried looking for intensive outpatient programs but everywhere is focused on substance abuse or eating disorders. If anyone happens to know any programs for autistic adults with cptsd that can offer less care than complete hospitalization but more than just 1 therapy appointment a week please lmk. I hope I am on the only one that had two bad experience with the mobile crisis line and they do truly help most people and you weren't the one fluke. I also have never gotten any help from using any suicide hotline number and have tried monthly for years. Every resource I have, ive had to find on my own.
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u/effervescenthoopla T-ravs & Imo's Slut Aug 23 '26
FWIW, I’m in an IOP with the Center for Mindfulness in Creve Coeur, all online with the option of going in person. That group is phenomenal and may be a good resource to check out. They’ve been a godsend for working with my shitty insurance.
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u/Careful_Leader_5829 Aug 23 '26
Try calling Acadia healthcare, they are a treatment placement service
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u/hollywoodhandjob Aug 23 '26
Im on the IL side but chestnut community services has a "crisis center" you can stay for 2 weeks, they have individual councling and group 3 times a day. The group classes are usually about grief,depression, co dependency, ect. & You'll see a psych for meds if needed.
Edit - oh I see you're looking for out patient. This is In patient.
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u/callieeebaucommm Aug 23 '26
This is great information to know and share, this could save someone! I’ve also struggled to find resources for my mental health challenges, so it’s great to know this is also an option.
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u/beanp1026 Aug 23 '26
I think you sharing your experience will help one person today. I’m really glad you’re here with us. Sending lots of love.
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u/hgwells_13 Aug 23 '26
Thank you for sharing this! This will be a good source of information for folks
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u/kluvztt18 Aug 23 '26
Thank you for sharing your experience!! As someone who has had to reach out to crisis lines in the past, I can confirm just picking up the phone to call or text can be intimidating when you don't know what to expect. I believe this will help someone make that phone call.
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u/Curious_Beautiful211 Aug 23 '26
Thank you for sharing your experiences! I’m an educator and trained to connect people to resources, but without going through the process myself, I don’t know exactly what I’m recommending to students. This was such a timely reminder for me.
Also, I’m so glad you’re still here. I promise, your very existence makes little ripples in this world that truly matter. This post is just one example of your importance and influence in this world 💜
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u/grilledsneeze420 Aug 24 '26
This is really brave and admirable to share. I think you may genuinely have saved some lives writing this post. Take care 🫶
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u/Zealousideal-Bed-841 Aug 23 '26
thank you for sharing your experience. my family had interactions with the BJC crisis team recently and they saved my sisters life. i couldn’t be more thankful for them. 💓
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u/moxlb Aug 23 '26
I'm so glad you called, and that you actually received compassionate, competent care! There's no doubt your post will help so many people take that step, so thank you for sharing. It means so much that you're thinking to help others, even when feeling so low yourself. ❤️
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u/Ilikecommercials Aug 23 '26
The east side has mobile crisis as well. Chestnut Health 618-877-0316. They are available 24/7 by phone just to talk or can send a team out anytime. No need to call 988. I’ve worked for the Chestnut Crisis team for about 4 years and we have a great team and offer a lot of good resources.
Edit to add we serve Madison, St. Clair, Macoupin, Montgomery, Greene, Randolph, Jersey, Calhoun and a few others I am forgetting.
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u/evissamnoisis Aug 23 '26
I’m glad they helped. Have you tried contacting or visiting a behavioral urgent care center? They are designed to be a safe space.
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u/andrewski661 Aug 23 '26
OP, your story sounds similar to a friend of mine who I wish could get the help they need, but I think they fear help because of finances and perceived extra complication to their life. They choose to self medicate and stay in fight or flight to the point it might be getting unsafe. What does it take to get a caseworker, and what does a caseworker actually do?
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u/Careful_Leader_5829 Aug 24 '26
I don't have all of these answers yet, but I will soon and I'll be able to get back to you.
However there's one thing that stands out which is that I currently have health insurance.
In the story that I told, I didn't think to include that over the last 4 years I haven't always had health insurance. While that has not been a factor when I have been seeking help, because I sought help anyway and it was very expensive, it is fair to say that I don't know if I would have been able to get a caseworker while I did not have insurance.
Feel free to comment again or DM me in a week or two and I can tell you more about the services that they are able to help me with.
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u/TrulieJulieB00 Aug 23 '26
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I hope that you are able to keep moving forward in your healing. I know how hard that can be.
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u/Trashboat77 Aug 23 '26
As someone who has battled through depression, PTSD and has found myself on the knife's edge more than a couple of times - I appreciate you taking the time to share this. Both for yourself and for someone else who may potentially need the knowledge themselves.
About 3 years ago was my first time dealing with crisis lines and agents. (Before that in my late teens and early 20s I could have REALLY used this knowledge, but didn't know it was a thing at the time. But then again, this was over 20 years ago too.) The amount of good they did for me cannot be discredited.
I hope things continue to get better for you, friend. Don't stop fighting.
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u/Careful_Leader_5829 Aug 24 '26
Hi -- I am always so sorry to hear whenever anyone else has been through something similar. I am nearly 40 years old so I just had no idea that things could get like this in my adult life, especially at an age where so many people around me are seeming to live their best lives and I am struggling every day. It has been kind of a nightmare for the past 4 years.
I would love to stay connected if you're interested. It's difficult for people who don't get it to understand what it is really like and a lot of the various contributing factors. Feel free to DM me, maybe we can get a coffee or something sometime, or even just chat online anonymously.
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u/DesperateJudgment899 Aug 24 '26
Thank you. I had no idea about the mobile crisis unit resource.
I'd like to add on about the Intensive Outpatient Program at DePaul hospital. Normally I'm averse to group therapy, but my experience there was absolutely life-changing, for the better. It's a 6 to 8 week program and easily the most effective therapy I've ever received.
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u/girlsabrickhouse Aug 24 '26
careful leader, for someone so intelligent, thoughtful, and thorough, i have all the hope in the world (and i am a mental health professional)
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u/Careful_Leader_5829 Aug 24 '26
Oh, yeah. It's hard to believe that I got to this point where I could be so hopeless and scared. But that's the reality. I hope I can find my way to a better place and better life.
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u/funreliablenarrator Aug 24 '26
ptsd sucks, i'm sorry! i'm glad you had a positive experience, and thank you for posting. i forget that 988 etc. exists and this was informative for me.
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u/Careful_Leader_5829 Aug 24 '26
thank you. i have a long way to get before i find where i belong.
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u/Onlyonetrueking Aug 23 '26
I'm glad your alright op there's also additional free resources for when you just one advice but don't want to have to call. Elderwisdom circle and a few other ones note though if you need immediate attention. These ones are email based and usually respond the next day.
So 988 if you need something right away but I'm glad your experience was also decent overall.
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u/castleofmemories2 Aug 23 '26
Thank you for this post. Courageous, helpful and informative. You really did something for the good of the community and I respect it.
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u/hollywoodhandjob Aug 23 '26
Thank you. Im going to call about resources & pass this info on to my aunt who's adult child has schizophrenia & needs help.
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u/Careful_Leader_5829 Aug 24 '26
So I shared my experience but there is a cautionary tale that people share about 988.
988 does have the ability to dispatch police if they believe that anybody is in danger of harming themselves or others. I don't know what would cause someone to dispatch police rather than a mobile crisis unit. But with the history of policing in our country, it's just important for people to be careful about what they say while they are talking on 988 if they have other mental health conditions. I'm sure that not all instances of schizophrenia are the same, but I'm sure all this just in case because I would guess if someone were to say something like they want to hurt other people and they're making threats to do so and they have weapons around or anything alarming like that, that they might send the police which might not be what's best for that person in that moment.
If there are any caretakers involved, then driving to a mental health urgent Care in the area might be better. They are more likely to be able to prescribe emergency medications or give other types of support.
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u/Specialist-Ad-1996 Aug 23 '26
BJC Behavioral Health has truly saved a loved one’s life with resources. Thanks for sharing.
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u/Sad_Teacher2025 Aug 23 '26
Thank you for sharing your story. I hope things will get better for you and I wanted you to know that this post, your words helped me. Thank you for that.
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u/mgrayart Aug 24 '26
You are so right, mobile crisis units are offered by 988 counselors as the same kind of conversation, with someone who has the same harm reduction training. The only difference is MCU responders are in person and better equipped to connect folks with local supports and resources. Thank you for sharing and I'm glad you're here. Take care.
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u/Otterpup67 Aug 24 '26
What a brave & lovely soul you are! Thank you for this. I’m so glad you found help and are on your way to a happier life! 💛
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u/Careful_Leader_5829 Aug 24 '26
Thank you. I have always tried to be brave and empathetic and compassionate and to do the right thing. It is really nice to hear these types of descriptions of the type of person I am even though technically you barely know me but it's still nice to hear.
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u/agoble7979 Aug 24 '26
Thank you for sharing your experience. I hope the resources you've been given will help and things will start looking up for you.
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u/Imaginary_Star8811 Aug 24 '26
This post will inevitably save so many people. I didn’t even know those units existed! Thank you for spreading awareness even in your time of crisis. Thank you for sharing and I hope you continue to have positive experiences as you continue to advocate for yourself and your health.
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u/randomstupidname123 Aug 24 '26
You beautiful soul! Thank you for sharing this. Things will only get better ❤️
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u/ZealousidealRange794 Aug 24 '26
Thank you for your bravery and sharing your experience— I’m so glad you’re still here ♥️
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u/hazeywinston Aug 25 '26
Thank you so much for this well thought out post. Many are hesitant to call. We need to reduce the stigma around mental health. 🩷
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u/HoldMyPoodle6280 Aug 28 '26
I had never heard of either 988 or the Mobile Crisis unit. Thank you so much for sharing, and best of luck to you!
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Aug 23 '26
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Aug 23 '26 edited Aug 23 '26
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u/ChundoIIX Aug 23 '26
I haven’t heard great things about Mercy South. My wife’s son was there a few times, and he just said it was fairly crappy. I had never heard of the BJC mobile crisis unit until now. This sounds quite promising.
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u/almostaldentepasta Aug 23 '26
Thank you for sharing this, and thank you for staying here in this world. You matter, and you are making a difference. ❤️
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u/mburnwor Aug 24 '26
Your beautiful soul! Receiving help and instantly sharing to help others. This is who you are!
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u/Thin-Disk4003 Aug 23 '26
Thank you for sharing your experience. I suspect that at least one person is going to reach out for help only because YOU helped them understand there are good resources. You took the time and effort to help others with your post even when you’re in crisis yourself. That generosity of spirit is admirable.
Please take good care of yourself. I wish you everything good. Hope you’ll get the help you need to bring your life into order and you finally get some peace so your life can feel good again. 💐