Dear Friends,

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time when we come together to bring attention to emotional wellness and the importance of seeking support when we need it.

This begins with acknowledging how deeply personal our mental health can be. No two people will experience depression, anxiety, or grief in the same way. When a person is struggling, it can be a highly individualized – and isolating – experience.

Harris County invests in multiple programs to help people experiencing mental health crises and increase access to care and support, including its partnership with the Harris Center’s Healthy Minds, Healthy Communities initiative. Through this program, you can take free classes and access resources that promote emotional health and wellness in your community.

Here are some other ways you can get involved:

Learn the basics: Many mental health conditions are common and treatable. Contact your medical provider, or take an online health test to find out if you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition.

Find support in your area: Several organizations in Harris County are ready to help you or someone you know in need of mental health services or emotional support, including the Harris Center, National Alliance on Mental Illness, the Montrose Center, Houston Area Women’s Center (HAWC), and Harris County Public Health. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, you can call the Harris Center’s 24-hour Crisis Line at 713-970-7000.

If you're outside Harris County, you can call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.

Get outside: Our beautiful parks and greenspaces provide opportunities to boost your mood and relieve stress by utilizing a walking trail, reserving a bike through the RideONE bike program, or spending time in one of our parks.

Ultimately, everyone can play a role in improving mental health in their community. Call a friend who's been quiet lately, follow up with retired family members, and ask the young people in your life if they feel supported. Listen to others, and listen to what your body is telling you about your own emotional well-being.

Together, we can break the stigma surrounding mental health and promote wellness for all.

Best regards,

Commissioner Rodney Ellis