Unmasking Depression During COVID-19

WACO, TX – October is National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month. According to SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration), major depression is one of the most common mental illnesses affecting 6.7 million adults in the U.S. #TexansRecoveringTogether is doing its part to provide a level of certainty during uncertain times by offering accessible and affordable mental health screening throughout McLennan, Bosque, Falls, Hill, Freestone and Limestone counties.

#TexansRecoveringTogether is a non-traditional (free, confidential, and anonymous and offered throughout the community), outreach-based crisis counseling program available to those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and Texas Winter Storm Disaster.

“Our individual and family crisis counseling data from September shows that 47% of reactions to COVID-19 are emotional. In particular, 24% reported feeling sadness and tearful, and 7% despair and hopelessness,” says Vince Erickson, Project Manager for the Heart of Texas’ #TexansRecoveringTogether Crisis Counseling and Training Program. “Our program is here to meet survivors in our region right where they are—including those feeling depressed—so they can recognize their own personal resources as well as community resources, to aid in coping with and recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic and disaster.”

#TexansRecoveringTogether’s diverse team of staff and counselors provided these services to over 24,000 Central Texans since April 2020:

  • Resource navigation and connecting to available support groups (assessments, referrals)
  • Anxiety and grief support
  • Coping skills development and support
  • Public education
  • Self-care tips and training

COVID-19 and Texas Winter Storm Disaster support is available, with services offered Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., by calling toll-free at (866) 576-1101 or visiting www.trthotccp.org

CONTACTS:

Vince Erickson, Project Manager

Vince.Erickson@hotrmhmr.org

Cell: (254) 265-2030

Tanya Ledesma, Media Liaison

Tanya.Ledesma@hotrmhmr.org

Cell: (254) 640-5229

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