Have you ever heard the phrases “tortured artist” or “mad genius”? These harmful stereotypes make it seem like it’s okay for artists to be struggling with mental health issues, or that they can create better work if they’re going through difficult situations. Our team at Texas System of Care (TxSOC) wants to help end this stigma.
We encourage the artistic community in Texas and beyond to seek help when needed. Creating art is a great way to reflect on your experiences and process your emotions, but letting mental distress linger won’t benefit your creativity. You deserve to feel your best; we’re here to help support you in your journey.
Here are some resources to help get you started or build on your current support system:
General mental health resources
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIH): Here you can find educational posts about a variety of mental health topics such as depression, substance use and co-occurring mental disorders, and therapies.
- Mental Health Texas: This site offers a range of resources, including general mental health needs and specific needs for different populations. It also provides crisis services, substance use referrals, and information on finding mental health treatment facilities in Texas.
- Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC): HHSC contracts with 37 local mental health authorities and two local behavioral health authorities to deliver mental health services across Texas. You can put in your zip code to locate services in your area. They also offer mental health and substance use resources.
- Community Resource Coordination Groups (CRCGs): These county-based groups of local partners and community members provide support to parents, caregivers, youth, and adults— including behavioral health services, basic needs, and caregiver aid. They help people whose needs can’t be met by one single agency.
For youth under 18
- National Child Traumatic Stress Network: This network is a resource for the public, professionals, and others who care about children and are concerned about child traumatic stress. They offer educational materials and training for general trauma, assessment and intervention techniques, service systems, and more.
- Navigate Life Texas: This site provides information and resources for families of children and young adults with disabilities or special healthcare needs in Texas. You’ll find resources related to education, healthcare, legal services, financial assistance, community forums, and more.
Helplines
- 988 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the US.
- Crisis Text Line: If you’re in a crisis, you can text HOME to 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor.
- 2-1-1 Texas: No matter where you live in Texas, you can dial 2-1-1, or (877) 541-7905, and find information about resources in your local community. You can get help with food, housing, child care, crisis counseling, substance abuse treatment, and more.
You’re invited to join our Texas Mental Health Creative Arts Contest
In case you haven’t heard, we’re accepting submissions for original artwork, writing, or photography from Texans of all ages until March 1st. This year’s theme is “Why does mental health matter to you?”
Our goal is to raise awareness of how common mental illnesses are and encourage people to treat them with the same openness as other illnesses.
Visit our contest site to learn about rules, guidelines, prizes, judging, previous winners, and more.
Are we missing any important mental health resources?
We hope this list was helpful. If you know about other resources that should be on this list, especially artist-specific tools/organizations, please let us know! We appreciate your input.
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