Breaking the Stigma - how adults can get mental health help

HOUSTON (FOX 26) - Following the suicide deaths of high-profile celebrities Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain, FOX 26 News wants to Break the Stigma when it comes to mental health issues. Regardless of who is affected more in terms of gender or age, doctors say people across the board need to start recognizing that mental health issues are much more prevalent than we think.

Whether it's shame or a refusal to accept having a mental health problem, psychiatrist Dr. George Santos says anyone who's experienced any sort of crises, no matter how large or small, should seek help. 

"There are stigma issues that prevent people from coming in to see a psychiatrist," said Dr. Santos, who also serves as president of the Harris County Medical Society. "There are cultural issues that make one culture group less likely to seek mental health treatment than another group."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide rates have increased more than 30 percent since 1999. 

In fact, suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. Suicide rates have increased in almost every state from 1999 through 2016. 

Santos said the statistics have been around for a while, but the high-profile deaths of Kate Spade, 55, and Anthony Bourdain, 61, are just now opening the dialogue on the prevalence among adults. 

"The highest suicide rate is in this age group, from about 34 to the 50s and early 60s," added Dr. Santos. "The second highest age group is over 85." He also said that often it may be a family member, close friend or even a co-worker that notices a change in behavior patterns, like mood or routine, that should be a cause for concern. 

"You're really doing somebody a favor when you notice these kinds of things, to ask them directly, 'Are you feeling OK? You look like you've been depressed. Have you thought about suicide?,'" explained Dr. Santos. "You're not going to put that thought into their head, not in this day and age. That idea is already there. You just need to show them that you care." 

Dr. Daryl Knox is the chief medical officer at the Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD.  

"Your ability to pay should never be a barrier to getting any of our services," said Dr. Knox. He also added that no one, regardless of income or insurance, will ever be turned away for help at their center. Free services from trained medical health professionals and qualified counselors are available by phone, or in-person.

"We also have a 24/7 psychiatric emergency service located in the medical center, so anyone 24/7 can walk in if they perceive themselves to have a mental health crisis and get help," described Dr. Knox.

Just like any other illness, prevention is key and treatment can be much more effective when diagnosed early on. 

"For any medical, physical or mental condition, the earlier you get treatment the better," said Dr. Knox. "Sometimes if things go for a long time, it's harder, not impossible, but it might be harder to impact them."

There is a Houston-area crisis hotline that's affiliated with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline available for anyone to call anonymously 24/7. The number to call is 713-970-7000.