Our behavioral health is critical—it affects our relationships with other people and it can even lead to improvements or problems in our physical condition. While regular psychiatric help is essential, a more immediate need can be addressed by a mental health crisis line. Peninsula Community Health Services, a healthcare clinics in Soldotna and Kenai, AK, emphasizes the advantage of being able to talk to specialists over the phone.

Here are five benefits of a mental health crisis line:

• Suicide Prevention: The decision to take your life is usually abrupt, but it can be prevented by having a meaningful conversation with someone who is trained and has experience helping with such matters.

• Privacy & Anonymity: The first step to a cure is diagnosis. But people often hesitate to consult psychiatrists for fear of being labeled as crazy or imbalanced. When you call a mental health crisis line, your privacy will be protected and your identity will be secure.

• Prompt Response: Mood swings are sudden and unpredictable. When you call a crisis hotline, you won’t have to set an appointment or work around a schedule to have access to a consultation. You can get someone to talk to you right away.

• Comfort & Security: People who are in the comfort and security of their own homes tend to be more open and forthcoming. This makes diagnosing mental issues easy and accurate.

• Family Assistance: When you experience a depressive episode, it’s nearly impossible to commit to any action, even if you know it could help you. With a mental health crisis line, family or friends can call for you and get immediate assistance.

For help with physical or behavioral health issues, visit Peninsula Community Health Services in Soldotna or Kenai, AK. The warm, compassionate staff cares for every patient who enters their doors. You can contact them by calling (907) 262-3119 or by visiting their website.