In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, County Judge Lina Hidalgo hosted a panel discussion, Beyond the Stigma, for County workers to learn about the mental health resources and support available to them.
Hidalgo was joined by healthcare experts and two former Texans football players who shared their personal stories about mental health.
“Really surrounding yourself with people that if your therapist tells you not to bother her, you can call the next person on the list,” Hidalgo said. Emphasizing the importance of building strong support networks.
Key Strategies for Mental Health Support
The panel discussion highlighted three essential approaches to mental wellness:
Building Support Network: Mental health experts emphasize the value of developing reliable support systems beyond professional therapy. These networks can include family members, friends, trusted colleagues, or teachers who provide crucial emotional support during challenging times.
Ongoing Health Management Project: Dr. Quianta Moore, Executive Director of The Hackett Center for Mental Health, stressed that mental healthcare deserves the same attention as physical health. “If you go to your primary care doctor, they should be asking you questions around your mental health,” Moore said.
She emphasized that mental health management is an ongoing process, encouraging individuals to explore different therapeutic approaches until finding the most effective treatment.
Breaking Stigmas: Former Houston Texans player Owen Daniels addressed common misconceptions about mental health, particularly among men and athletes. “For me is to share that, to help destigmatize this mental health specifically for men, for athletes... For people that might seem like they have it all together and that they don’t have anything to have mental health issues about,” Daniels said.
Available Resources for County Employees
Harris County has implemented comprehensive mental health support services for its workforce, including:
- Four onsite mental health clinicians
- Peer support programs
- Mental health awareness training
- Specialized resources and educational materials
Judge Hidalgo’s Leadership Through Example
Hidalgo’s openness about her 2023 leave of absence for mental health treatment has resonated throughout the county workforce. Her transparency demonstrates that seeking mental health support represents strength rather than weakness, challenging long-standing stigmas around mental health care.
The county’s initiative aligns with broader national efforts to normalize mental health discussions in the workplace and ensure accessible support services for employees.
