Today is World Mental Health Day. Protecting and advocating for the rights of people with mental health issues is always important, and it is now more than ever.
As we continue to work to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, our new reality of social distancing, wearing masks, working and schooling from home, lost jobs and wages, closed businesses, and all else that has come because of the pandemic is impacting our mental health. The increases in the need for mental health services has become even more evident.
In an eye-opening article from WebMD.com on the impact of the pandemic on our mental health, Jonathan Porteus, Ph.D., said, “Our society is definitely in a collective state of trauma.”
Protecting and advocating for the rights of people with mental health issues is always important, and it is now more than ever.
Please reach out for help if you believe you are facing mental health issues. Some resources in Texas include:
Texas Health and Human Services: Mental Health & Substance Use Resources
Hogg Foundation for Mental Health: COVID-19 Mental Health Resources
National Institute for Mental Health: Coping with Fear, Anxiety and Stress from COVID-19
CDC: Coping with Stress
If you are currently receiving inpatient or outpatient mental health services and believe your rights are being violated, please contact our intake request line at 1-800-252-9108. Visit the DRTx mental health civil rights resources page to learn more about your inpatient hospitalization rights.