Lina Hidalgo: Rising Star in Texas Politics Battling Depression
Lina Hidalgo, a rising star in Texas politics, has been leading Harris County, which includes Houston, since her upset election victory in 2018. At just 32 years old, she is in charge of the fourth-largest metropolitan area in the country, overseeing a population of nearly 5 million people and a budget exceeding $4 billion.
But behind her success, Hidalgo has been battling clinical depression. In July, she made the difficult decision to check herself into an inpatient treatment center in Ohio after experiencing suicidal thoughts. Hidalgo left Houston quietly, without informing her security detail, right after attending an event to unveil a mural dedicated to her.
In her first interview since receiving treatment, Hidalgo spoke to CBS News about her struggles. She revealed that she believed her decision to seek help was life-saving, stating that without it, she may have taken her own life.
Before seeking treatment, Hidalgo felt trapped and like there was no way out. She had tried various methods to improve her mental health, including exercise, healthy eating, vacations, and therapy. However, nothing seemed to make a lasting difference, and she found herself feeling worse than ever before.
Hidalgo’s experience is not uncommon. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly a third of Americans have been diagnosed with depression at some point, marking a 10% increase from a decade ago.
As a public figure, Hidalgo faced challenges in seeking help for her mental health. People warned her that it could harm her politically, and there were calls for her to step down. However, she had to prioritize her well-being and ignore the opinions of others. She found inspiration in the story of Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman, who sought treatment for depression and successfully returned to work.
Seeking help was not without financial challenges for Hidalgo. The seven weeks of inpatient treatment cost approximately $88,000, which was mostly covered by her longtime boyfriend’s personal savings. They are currently fighting with the insurance company to cover the remaining costs.
Despite the criticism she faced, Hidalgo stated that she is feeling better than ever now. She is continuing her treatment, which includes therapy, medication, and exercise. Hidalgo also expressed her determination to stay in politics and not let her mental health struggles deter her.
If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or a suicidal crisis, you can reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. For more mental health care resources and support, contact the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or email [email protected].
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