Healing Begins When We Speak Up: Harris County Public Health Promotes Mental Health Support and Awareness During May
As Mental Health Awareness Month unfolds this May, Harris County Public Health (HCPH) is encouraging residents across all walks of life to take a closer look at their emotional well-being and remember that healing begins when we speak up. With the theme “In Every Story, There’s Strength,” this year’s campaign highlights the power of sharing experiences and accessing support—especially when it feels hardest to do so.
Mental Health: A Shared Challenge, A Community Responsibility
Mental health affects every individual differently, yet the challenges are strikingly common. National statistics show that 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience a mental illness each year, and 1 in 6 children between ages 6 to 17 face similar issues. Suicide remains the second leading cause of death for youth ages 10 to 14, revealing how critical early intervention and open conversations can be.
Mental well-being is about more than just avoiding distress—it's about how we think, feel, relate to others, and handle life’s daily pressures. Struggles with anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia can manifest in both emotional and physical ways, including chronic sadness, fatigue, irritability, or difficulty sleeping and concentrating.
Despite the prevalence, many people still suffer in silence due to lingering stigma or limited access to affordable care. That’s why Harris County Public Health is working to reduce these barriers and promote community-wide mental health awareness through education, outreach, and accessible services.
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Free Mental Health Services Through HCPH
HCPH’s Behavioral Health Services (BHS) program offers free, confidential mental health care to Harris County residents aged 8 and older. Services include:
- Individual therapy
- Couples and family therapy
- Group counseling sessions
- Educational workshops
- Telehealth options for convenient access
Anyone struggling with mood swings, persistent sadness, or the emotional weight of daily life is encouraged to reach out. These services are personalized and aimed at restoring balance and improving quality of life.
Focus on Maternal Mental Health
For expectant mothers, new parents, and families experiencing pregnancy loss, mental health support can be especially vital. Maternal mental health conditions, such as postpartum depression, anxiety, and trauma-related stress, affect 1 in 5 mothers, yet most go untreated. These conditions can begin during pregnancy and last for years, impacting both the parent and child.
The Maternal Mental Health (MMH) program under BHS provides home-based therapy and emotional support for pregnant and postpartum individuals, along with their partners or household members. The program is uniquely designed to address emotional wellness before and after childbirth, particularly for communities at higher risk due to healthcare inequities—including Black women, who face disproportionately high rates of maternal mental health complications.
Breaking the Silence with Community Support
As part of its effort to raise awareness, HCPH will host a free community event on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sunnyside Health and Multi-Service Center (4410 Reed Road, Houston, TX 77051). The event will spotlight Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month and is open to social workers, healthcare providers, educators, students, families, and advocates.
Attendees will hear stories from real families, learn about local mental health resources, and engage in open dialogue aimed at reducing stigma. The event underscores a simple but powerful message: you are not alone, and support is just a conversation away.
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How to Get Help in Harris County
For more information about Behavioral Health Services, visit the HCPH Behavioral Health website or contact:
- Call 832-927-1335
- Email behavioralhealth@phs.hctx.net for general inquiries
- Email MaternalMentHlthPrgm@phs.hctx.net for maternal mental health-specific questions
Whether you’re navigating personal stress, supporting a loved one, or managing new parenthood, HCPH encourages everyone to prioritize mental wellness, learn the signs of emotional strain, and take the first step toward healing.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
