Consumer, Youth and Family Resources

Chances are that you or someone you know has experienced a mental health condition at some point. In fact, one in four Americans age 18 and older has a diagnosable mental health condition each year, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

Mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder, major depression and schizophrenia used to be considered permanently disabling illnesses with little hope of successful treatment or recovery. Not much was known about the causes of mental illness, leading to undeserved feelings of guilt, shame, fear and defensiveness among many mental health consumers and their families. Despite advances in our knowledge about mental health conditions, the undeserved stigma associated with mental illness is still far too common today.

That is changing as we learn more about the biological causes of these conditions and discover new ways to overcome them. Mental illness is now viewed as a health condition, like cancer or heart disease. Greater understanding, acceptance and empathy toward people with mental health conditions will continue to grow as we learn more about the underlying physical causes of mental illness.

More importantly, we now know that people with mental health conditions, even serious ones, can recover and experience wellness. They can live meaningful, productive lives and contribute to their communities. And they can help others on the journey to recovery and wellness.

Visit Via Hope, a new training, information and technical assistance resource for consumers, youth and family in Texas
Visit Language Matters in Mental Health and learn about the importance of using appropriate language when talking about mental health. The brochure published by the Hogg Foundation is available to download.

Hogg Foundation's Consumer, Youth and Family Initiative

A critical first step on the path to improving mental health in Texas is opening doors for mental health consumers, youth and their family members to participate in all levels of the mental health care system, from policy to design to delivery to evaluation to recovery. The Hogg Foundation is promoting this cultural shift toward consumer, youth and family involvement at every level of its own organization and externally through grants and other activities.

Learn about a conference on mental health, recovery and wellness in East Texas hosted by the foundation.

Consumer and Family Resources in Texas
The road toward recovery begins with a single step. If you or someone you care about has a mental health condition, remember:

You are not alone. Others have experienced what you are going through and recovered. You can, too.
You deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.
You have the right to advocate for yourself or your loved one, to voice your opinions and ask questions, and to actively participate in your health care.
Ask for what you need. Don’t be afraid to seek treatment from a qualified mental health provider. Look for health care and social services in your community.

Many public and private organizations in Texas offer mental health referrals and services (see partial list of state and national resources). The Hogg Foundation does not provide services, but awards grants to many Texas organizations that do.

Questions?

Contact any of the resources located in the box at the right

Or contact the Hogg Foundation's consumer and family liaisons:
- Stephany Bryan, (512) 471-7628
- Tammy Heinz, (512) 471-7635