Reports of depression, anxiety and thoughts of suicide among Texas students are rising as the pandemic drags on. Here is a resource guide for those seeking help.
mental health
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
As pandemic grinds on, Texas students increasingly feel alone and scared, and some are thinking about suicide
The mental health of students, and teachers, has moved to the forefront for Texas schools amid troubling signs that the pandemic is exacting a heavy emotional toll.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Q&A with NAMI Texas’ executive director about mental health during the pandemic
Texas ranks 50th out of 51 in overall access to mental health care, reports show. Currently, only one in seven Texas children with major depression receives consistent treatment — almost half the national average.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
For families that lost loved ones or jobs to the pandemic, Thanksgiving carries an extra weight this year
This year’s pandemic has brought untold suffering to families across Texas. Making things worse: At a time when they might take solace in the company of friends or family, public health authorities are urging them to stay apart.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Out of work and behind on rent, this mom says the pandemic is taking a toll on her mental health
The South Texas woman says that since losing her job in late May, her anxiety and depression have made it “very difficult to try and keep it together.” Listen to her story in the weekend edition of The Brief podcast.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
In rural Texas, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought more accessible mental health care
Mental health services have always been scarce in Texas’ vast rural stretches. But the pandemic has caused the state to lift restrictions on providing care online or by phone.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
They just want someone to talk to: This mental health hotline is helping Texans navigate the pandemic
The Harris Center, a health authority in the Houston area, and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission — which had seen a 500% jump in traffic to its webpages on mental health and substance abuse resources — joined forces and provided the service to callers statewide March 31.
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Health care
No one knows exactly why rural East Texas faces high suicide rates. And resources to help are scarce.
The region has some of the highest suicide rates in the state. But the safety net for people who need help is being stretched thin, and some Texans are falling through.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
Analysis: No bills are finally dead yet, but some are starting to smell funny
One of the big bills of the session — a sales- for property-tax swap — was put on ice this week. Lots of other bills are ready for their post-session burials, too, but keep your eyes open. In the Texas Legislature, dead legislation has a way of coming back to life.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Solitary confinement worsens mental illness. A Texas prison program meant to help can feel just as isolating.
Prisoners who volunteered for a mental health diversion program say promises of therapy and time out of their cells weren’t fulfilled. And Texas prison officials aren’t regularly tracking success rates — even as they ask lawmakers to fund an expansion of the program.
