by Katherine Donnelly
and Arabella serrata
editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com
Mental health awareness is the foundation of human empathy and the building blocks of a healthy society. Taking care of yourself and those around you is important, but many people don’t know where to go for mental health resources. At the very least, knowing where to look can help anyone who needs it get help locally.
The nonprofit One Two Church is a non-denominational religious organization on South Padre Island committed to creating a safe place for people seeking a closer relationship with God and providing general self-improvement for all. One of Pastor Matt Wyatt’s main missions is to help people seeking counseling in a low-key, secular environment, without the pressure to get saved or join a church.
“I myself was saved at the last moment in 2009 when I was attempting to commit suicide by hanging myself from a phone cord,” Wyatt said. “My wife, who came home early from work that day, found me and saved her life.”
Wyatt, known as “Pastor Matt” by his followers, shares what it’s like to go down that dark path and how asking for help can make all the difference, even though the struggle is lifelong. I know personally. The key is to ask for help and always have a network on hand in case you stumble.
“I want people to know that no matter what they think, we accept them completely for who they are,” Wyatt said. “I want people to know that they are understood, loved and accepted, and that you should never choose to suffer alone. You are worth it. No matter what your head says, someone needs you.”
Wyatt can assess a person’s emotional needs and offer counselling, but must make a referral for any psychological disorders he is not qualified to help with. His initial consultation is always free, and cost should not be a barrier for anyone who needs a new perspective or someone to talk to.
Renew is a thrift store affiliated with OneTwo Church, but also offers a variety of outreach services, including a food pantry 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 support to local youth and their families. Call or text 1-800-989-6884.
Helplines can also provide additional resources, including free messaging services for runaway youth to contact parents or guardians, free transportation for runaway youth, and low-cost or free counseling. Masu. Texas Youth Helpline is not affiliated with law enforcement or child protective services.
Elementary and middle school students are encouraged to talk to their school counselors when they need help, and students can rest assured that what they say will be kept confidential. However, school officials are required to report cases of self-harm or clear threats to others. They are the ones who can help students when they feel like they are going down a dark path.
There are also resources available for local college students. Texas Southmost students have access to free and confidential counseling upon enrollment. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) has counseling centers in both Brownsville and Edinburg, which can be reached 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, military members, and their families. They collaborate with other organizations at the local, state, and national levels to address issues unique to veterans. They can be contacted at (512) 463-6091 or VMHD@tvc.texas.gov.
Small self-help steps towards improving your mental health, including improving your diet and exercising regularly, can improve your overall well-being. Engaging with others helps provide emotional support from those in your immediate social circle.
Mental Health America (MHA), an organization dedicated to improving America’s mental health, recommends several easy-to-implement activities. You can incorporate mental health into your daily life by tracking your accomplishments, writing about your gratitude, getting a good night’s sleep, and making time for personal pleasures. .
The services listed here are just a few of the services you can find in the field of mental health. When needed, it is important to find the service that best suits each individual and maintain a healthy mind.
“Ignoring some issues just doesn’t fix it,” Wyatt added. “There’s no shame in asking for help when you need it, and I’m here to prove it could save your life.”
