From Awareness to Action: How Harris County Public Health is Supporting Mental Health in Our Communities
October 10th marks World Mental Health Day, an international campaign dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of mental health, reducing stigma, and providing support to those affected by mental health challenges. This year’s theme, “Mental Health at Work,” emphasizes the critical role employers play in supporting their employees’ well-being by fostering healthy work environments and preventing burnout. Harris County Public Health (HCPH) is committed to increasing public understanding of mental health issues and encouraging individuals to access available resources for support and care.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mental health conditions affect millions of adults annually, with workplace stress and demands often exacerbating issues like anxiety and depression. The CDC highlights that poor mental health can lead to lower productivity, absenteeism, and long-term physical health concerns, emphasizing the need for supportive work cultures.
Recent CDC statistics indicate that:
- Approximately 1 in 5 adults in the United States experience mental health issues each year.
- Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide and is a major contributor to the global burden of disease.
- Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, with rates increasing in nearly every state over the past two decades.
The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that promoting mental health and well-being requires a combination of public education, early intervention, and creating supportive environments. Community programs that provide access to mental health care, reduce stigma, and foster resilience are essential in addressing the global mental health crisis.
If you or someone you know needs mental health services, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s national helpline at 1-800-662-4357. You can also call, text, or chat 988 to connect with a trained counselor through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Additionally, HCPH has Maternal Mental Health services available for birthing persons and their families, focusing on those struggling with Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs). This includes obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and postpartum psychosis. Call 832-927-1335 or email MaternalMentHlthPrgm@phs.hctx.net to inquire about our services. For more information, visit our Maternal Mental Health page.
Source: HCPH
