By CATHERINE DONNELLY
and ARABELLA SERRATA
[email protected]
Mental health awareness is the foundation for our empathy towards each other as human beings and is a building block of a healthy society. While it is important to take care of ourselves and those around us both physically and mentally, many people don’t know where to go for mental health resources. Help is available locally for anyone who needs it, at least if they know where to look.
OneTwo church, a nonprofit, is a non-denominational religious organization on South Padre Island dedicated to creating a safe space for those who are seeking a closer relationship with God and offering general self-improvement to all. One of Pastor Matt Wyatt’s main missions is to help people who seek counseling in a low-key secular environment with no pressure to be saved or to join the church.
“I myself was saved at the last minute when I was hanging by a telephone cord trying to end my life in 2009,” said Wyatt. “My wife came home early from work and discovered me and saved my life that day.”
Wyatt, known as “Pastor Matt” by his congregants, knows personally what it’s like to go down that dark road and how reaching out for help can make all the difference, though the struggle is life-long. The key is to get help and always keep your network handy for the times you stumble.
“I want people to know that we accept them completely as they are, in whatever place their head might be at,” said Wyatt. “I want people to know that they’re seen, loved and accepted and that they should never choose to suffer alone. You are worth it. Someone needs you, no matter what your brain is telling you.”
Wyatt can assess someone’s emotional needs and provide counseling, but he has to refer out psychological disorders that he is not qualified to help. His initial consultation is always free and cost shouldn’t be a barrier to those who might need a fresh perspective or someone to talk to.
Renew is a thrift store that is associated with OneTwo Church, but it also holds a variety of outreach services including food pantries and mental health counseling. The store is located at 1200 State Highway 100, Unit 2, in Port Isabel.
Other resources include the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) Texas Youth Helpline. They provide completely free and confidential help for area youth and their families. Call or text 1-800-989-6884.
The helpline can also offer additional resources, some of which include a free messaging service for runaway youth to communicate with their parents or guardians, free transportation for runaway youth, and low or no cost counseling. The Texas Youth Helpline is not associated with law enforcement or Child Protective Services.
Primary and secondary school students are encouraged to speak to school counselors when in need of help and students can be assured what they say will remain confidential. School officials, however, are mandatory reporters for self-harm or when there is a credible threat towards others. They are exactly who can help when students might be going down that dark path.
There are resources for local college students as well. Texas Southmost students are eligible for free and confidential counseling when enrolled. The University of Texas at the Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) has counseling centers available at both Brownsville and Edinburg locations. They can be contacted at 956-882-3897 and 956-665-2574 respectively.
The Veterans Mental Health Department (VMHD) is an organization dedicated to providing mental health resources to veterans, service members, and their families. They work with other organizations at a local, state, and national level to address veteran specific issues. They can be contacted at (512) 463-6091 or [email protected].
Smaller self-help steps towards better mental health can include better eating, regular exercise which can improve overall well-being. Engaging with others can help provide emotional support from those in immediate social circles.
Mental Health America (MHA), an organization committed to the advancement of mental health in America, recommends several activities that can be done easily. Things like journaling accomplishments or starting a thankfulness journal, getting a full night’s sleep, and taking time for personal enjoyment can work mental wellness into our everyday lives.
The services listed here are just a few that can be found across the mental health landscape. When in need, it is important to find one that works best for each individual and maintain a sound mind.
“Problems to not usually go away by just ignoring them,” added Wyatt. “There is no shame in reaching out for help when you need it, and I’m here to attest that it might just save your life.”