Depressive episodes can be triggered by various life events, such as job loss, the death of a loved one, or financial struggles. Nobody is immune to these challenges, and while some emerge from depression more easily, others may require extended assistance. This is where professional help comes into play.

The recent decision by Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo to take a leave of absence to prioritize her mental health has cast a spotlight on clinical depression. Among the spectrum of depressive experiences, clinical depression stands out as a severe form of the illness. Those grappling with clinical depression often endure pervasive sadness throughout the day, coupled with a loss of interest in regular activities and social withdrawal.

Yet, clinical depression extends beyond the common life-induced symptoms. Family and friends may notice a profound change in your overall demeanor. Thoughts of death may loom large in your mind, while feelings of sadness, worthlessness, and restlessness can disrupt your ability to concentrate on daily tasks. Thankfully, counseling and medications can bring relief to these symptoms.

The National Institute of Mental Health reports that nearly 7% of the population is affected by major depression. Women face a higher risk than men, possibly due to factors like menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. Stressors from work, school, and the complexities of daily life can also heighten the risk of depression.

An official diagnosis requires assessment by a medical professional. Treatment commonly involves a combination of antidepressant medication and talk therapy. In rarer cases, treatments like shock therapy and electroconvulsive therapy may be considered.

Taking control of depression involves recognizing triggers, adhering to prescribed medication, and maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider. If you're seeking support in Harris County, the Department of Public Health offers a list of mental health resources at PublicHealth.HarrisCountyTX.gov/Resources/Mental-Health-Resources, while the Houston Health Department can be reached at HoustonHealth.org/services/frontlines or through the 9-8-8 helpline.

Call 211 Texas

For help with local mental health care services 24/7.

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call 988

Trained crisis workers are available to talk 24/7.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Treatment Referral Helpline

1-877-SAMHSA7 (1-877-726-4727)

General information on mental health and treatment referral, 24/7

The Harris Center

Location: 9401 Southwest Freeway, Houston TX 77074

Availability: 24/7 Mon-Fri 7:30 am – 3:00 pm (Walk-in Clinic); 24/7 (Helpline);

Helpline: (713) 970-7000, press 1 or simply dial 988

Website: https://www.theharriscenter.org/

Service(S) Provided: Mental Health Counseling-General, Developmental Disability, Youth, Substance Abuse

Service Area: Harris County

Harris County Community Services Department

Location: 9418 Jensen Drive, Houston, TX 77093

Availability: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Helpline: (832) 927-4955

Website: https://csd.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/default.aspx

Service(s) Provided: Rental assistance, emergency utility assistance, food, clothing and mental health referrals, housing and community resources, transit services, after school programs, meals for the elderly and disabled, disaster recovery, social services, health care and activities for seniors, homeless services, bereavement services

Service Area: Determined by the Harris County Appraisal District. It will refer to the appropriate services based on zip code. Walk-ins available for the Jensen Drive office.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NamI)

Availability: Monday – Friday, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Helpline: 1-800-950-6264 or text “TX” to 741741 (Crisis Line, available 24/7)

Website: https://nami.org/Home

Service(s) Provided: Mental Health Services Resources, Public Benefits Assistance, Reentry Resources for Former Prisoners

Service Area: Nationwide

Mental Health Crisis Clinics

Location: (Northeast)18838 S Memorial Dr, Suite 106, Humble, TX 77338, (Meyerland) 4850 W. Belfort St, Houston, TX 77035 (Spring Branch) 10780 Westview Ste C, Houston, TX 77043

Availability: Northeast & Meyerland

Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Spring Branch

Monday – Friday, 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm, Every 1st and 3rd Saturday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm;

Walk-Ins Only, should arrive no later than two hours prior to close Helpline: (713) 338-6422

Website: http://www.memorialhermann.org/locations/northeast-mental-health-crisisclinic/

Service(s) Provided: Mental Health Services. Financial assistance is available for those who do not have insurance

Service Area: Greater Houston Area

Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) COVID Support Line Availability: 24/7

Helpline: (833) 986-1919

Website: https://hhs.texas.gov/services/mental-health-substance-use

Service(s) Provided: Mental Health Services.

Service Area: Texas

The Disaster Distress Helpline

Availability: 24/7

Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746

Website: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline

Service(s) Provided: Emotional distress and mental health counseling during or after a natural or man-made disaster

Service Area: Nationwide

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Availability: 24/7

Helpline: 1-800-273-8255

Website: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

Service(s) Provided: Mental Health Services. For individuals dealing with suicidal thoughts, Veteran’s support

Service Area: Nationwide

The Trevor Project

Availability: 24/7

Helpline: 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 6786780 (English only at this time)

Website: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/

Service(s) Provided: Mental Health Services for LGBTQ youth Ages 13-24+, Suicide and Crisis Intervention

Service Area: Nationwide

Veterans Crisis Line

Availability: 24/7

Helpline: 1-800-273-8255, option 1, or text 838255

Website: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/

Service(s) Provided: Mental Health Services, Financial Resources, Housing Resources, Employment Resources, Domestic Violence Resources, Addiction Recovery Resources, Housing Resources, LGBTQ Resources

Service Area: Nationwide

DePelchin Children’s Center- Houston (Multiple Locations)

Availability: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Mon-Friday; Offer Services in English/Spanish

Helpline: 713-730-2335

Website: https://www.depelchin.org/

Service(s) Provided: Mental Health Services (Family Counseling), Foster Care and Adoption assistance, Birth Mother program, Parenting Programs, and School based programs. Services are grant funded and may have an approximate waiting list of 6 months.

Service Area: Harris County, Fort Bend, and Waller County.

HEARTS (UT Health)

Location: 1941 East Road, Houston, TX 77054

Availability: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm Mon-Friday (Appointment only); Offer Services in English/Spanish

Helpline: 713-486-2736 (call to schedule appt); send direct message via Twitter: @hearts_ut, Facebook: UT-Hearts, and/or Instagram: hearts.uthealth Email: (hearts@uth.tmc.edu

Website: https://med.uth.edu/psychiatry/heartsuthealth/

Service(s) Provided: Free virtual/in-person professional counseling for clients currently using substances or a history of problematic substance abuse (up to 12 free sessions). Also offer free HIV/HCV testing, Hepatitis A & B vaccinations, and case management.

Service Area: Greater Houston, Harris County

Charlie Health

Availability: 24/7

Helpline: 1 (866) 219-5070

Website: https://www.charliehealth.com/

Service(s) Provided: Charlie Health provides personalized treatment programs for teens, young adults, and families struggling with mental health and substance use disorders.

Service Area: Nationwide