Texas, We Need to Talk About Your Mental Health Game

So, it's Global Mental Health Awareness Day again (Oct. 10, mark your calendars), and guess who's still struggling? Texas, you're not fooling anyone with that 'everything's bigger' bravado. According to Forbes, you're among the states doing the least in mental health care. Ouch.

The issue? Not enough mental health providers. Shocking, right?

Texas, to your credit, you've started dealing with this crisis by opposing new certification requirements. Good job, but don't think we didn't notice that this is just a baby step.

Now, let's talk about the workplace—the battleground for mental health. It's where life and career pressures collide and, newsflash, it's especially tough for women. The 2024 report from the Texas Conference for Women says 98% of women think health and well-being at work is super important.

But hold up, 60% of these women aren't using the programs their employers offer. Why? Because, and I quote:

• “Poor mental health is frequently viewed as a sign of weakness or a defect, so I'd rather not have anything about my mental health linked to something within my company.”
• “The mental health resources provided by my employer seem to be ‘because this looks good’ and not ‘because our employees matter.'"
• “Part of the drain on my mental health has been the constant overwork and having too many responsibilities. I can barely find time some days to eat or take a break, let alone look into the services and resources offered.”

Props to the Texas Conference for Women for launching a new, free, three-month well-being program in January 2025. But let's be real, this issue is bigger than one program can solve.

So, Texas employers, get your act together. Supporting mental health isn't just about being a decent human; it's good business. And Texas, remember, as women thrive, so do you.

Fields is the president of the board of the Texas Conference for Women , trying to drag Texas into the 21st century.