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Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo is set to be discharged from her residential treatment for clinical depression on September 16th, according to an announcement from her office. Hidalgo, who took medical leave last month, will transition to outpatient care and plans to officially return to her duties on October 2nd.
In a statement, the 32-year-old county judge expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support she received while seeking treatment at an out-of-state mental health facility. She mentioned that many people reached out to share their own struggles with mental health and showed support for her decision to be open about her journey. Hidalgo highlighted the importance of normalizing treatment for mental illness, stressing that it should be seen as no different from seeking treatment for any other illness.
Despite her absence, Hidalgo has remained in communication with key staff members and is available to fulfill her responsibilities as the chief executive of Texas' largest county. In her absence, Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis has taken on the role of county judge, as stated in the Harris County Commissioners Court's rules. The Harris County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management has also been notified and is prepared to respond to any potential incidents or disasters during Hidalgo's absence.
Depression is a prevalent condition, affecting approximately one out of every six adults at some point in their lives, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is a condition that does not discriminate based on age or social status, impacting nearly 16 million Americans annually.
Hidalgo's openness about her mental health journey serves as a reminder of the importance of destigmatizing mental illness and encouraging individuals to seek the treatment and support they need. By normalizing mental health treatment, society can work towards creating a more supportive and understanding environment for those struggling with their mental well-being.