News
September 06, 2025
Joe Southern: End the stigmas of mental health, suicide
As I covered the regular meeting of the Brazos County Commissioners Court on Tuesday, Aug. 26, my heart was breaking. That day would have been my middle brother’s 59th birthday.
**Local Journalist Urges Open Conversation About Mental Health and Suicide**
The Brazos County Commissioners Court meeting on Tuesday, August 26th, was more than just another day for local journalist Joe Southern. While covering the usual proceedings, Southern found himself grappling with a deeply personal experience: it would have been his middle brother's 59th birthday. This poignant reminder spurred Southern to reflect on the pervasive stigmas surrounding mental health and suicide, issues he believes demand urgent and open dialogue within the community.
Southern expressed that the weight of his brother's absence served as a stark reminder of the importance of addressing mental health challenges head-on. He emphasized the need to break down the barriers that prevent individuals from seeking help and support when they need it most. He believes that silence and shame contribute to the problem, leaving many feeling isolated and alone in their struggles.
"We need to create a community where people feel safe talking about their mental health," Southern stated. "It's okay to not be okay, and it's crucial that people know they're not alone and that help is available."
Southern hopes that by sharing his personal connection to the issue, he can encourage others to start conversations about mental health within their own families, workplaces, and communities. He envisions a future where seeking mental health support is viewed with the same understanding and acceptance as seeking treatment for any other physical ailment.
The journalist believes that raising awareness is just the first step. He also advocates for increased access to mental health resources and services within Brazos County. This includes ensuring that mental health care is affordable and accessible to all residents, regardless of their socioeconomic status or location.
Southern's call to action resonates deeply in a time when mental health concerns are increasingly prevalent. By bravely sharing his personal experience and advocating for open dialogue, he aims to inspire positive change and help create a more supportive and understanding community for those struggling with mental health challenges and suicidal thoughts. He hopes that his message will reach those who need it most, reminding them that they are valued, they are not alone, and help is always available.
The Brazos County Commissioners Court meeting on Tuesday, August 26th, was more than just another day for local journalist Joe Southern. While covering the usual proceedings, Southern found himself grappling with a deeply personal experience: it would have been his middle brother's 59th birthday. This poignant reminder spurred Southern to reflect on the pervasive stigmas surrounding mental health and suicide, issues he believes demand urgent and open dialogue within the community.
Southern expressed that the weight of his brother's absence served as a stark reminder of the importance of addressing mental health challenges head-on. He emphasized the need to break down the barriers that prevent individuals from seeking help and support when they need it most. He believes that silence and shame contribute to the problem, leaving many feeling isolated and alone in their struggles.
"We need to create a community where people feel safe talking about their mental health," Southern stated. "It's okay to not be okay, and it's crucial that people know they're not alone and that help is available."
Southern hopes that by sharing his personal connection to the issue, he can encourage others to start conversations about mental health within their own families, workplaces, and communities. He envisions a future where seeking mental health support is viewed with the same understanding and acceptance as seeking treatment for any other physical ailment.
The journalist believes that raising awareness is just the first step. He also advocates for increased access to mental health resources and services within Brazos County. This includes ensuring that mental health care is affordable and accessible to all residents, regardless of their socioeconomic status or location.
Southern's call to action resonates deeply in a time when mental health concerns are increasingly prevalent. By bravely sharing his personal experience and advocating for open dialogue, he aims to inspire positive change and help create a more supportive and understanding community for those struggling with mental health challenges and suicidal thoughts. He hopes that his message will reach those who need it most, reminding them that they are valued, they are not alone, and help is always available.
Category:
Politics