HOUSTON – Harris County Judge Hidalgo will transition from residential care to outpatient care on Saturday after months of seeking mental health treatment for depression, according to a news release from her team.
The judge is expected to return to her usual schedule on Monday, Oct. 2.
According to a spokesperson from her team, Hidalgo continues to remain in communication with key county staff and is available to discharge her duties as county judge.
Additionally, the spokesperson said the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management has been notified of this update and “remains fully engaged and prepared to respond to any potential incident or disaster, as well as request Judge Hidalgo’s presence if necessary,” the release said.
Hidalgo released the following letter below:
“Dear People of Harris County:
Thank you to my colleagues, family, and the Harris County community for the outpouring of support that I received after I announced I was seeking inpatient mental health treatment for depression. I have been deeply touched by all the messages that I have received, not only from Harris County residents but from across the country. So many people wrote to me to share their own struggles with mental health and their support for my decision to be public about my journey. I am encouraged that so many in our community agree that treatment for mental illness should be normalized just as seeking treatment any illness is accepted and expected.
After my time in a fantastic inpatient facility, I am feeling a lot better. I am looking forward to being discharged this Saturday, September 16, 2023, starting outpatient care, and re-acclimatizing to life outside a mental health facility. My initial treatment plan had me returning to my regular schedule in September, but my discharge date was moved back, which moves back the re-acclimatization period. The way my doctors explained re-acclimatization to me is that you would not go from heart surgery straight to running a marathon, in the same way that they do not want me to go straight back to my usual schedule.
I am feeling great and looking forward to returning on Monday, October 2, 2023. Thanks to the incredible medical team that has cared for me over the past several weeks, I feel so much stronger than I have ever been.
I continue to maintain lines of communication with my staff and the Harris County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management remains fully prepared to respond to any potential incident, as well as request my presence if necessary.
I am grateful for your continued support. I look forward to sharing more about my experience, and most of all, I am eager to return to the community and the job that I love.
Sincerely,
Lina Hidalgo
Harris County Judge”
In August, the judge announced that she was temporarily stepping away from her elected position and checked herself into an out-of-state inpatient facility where she has been receiving treatment for clinical depression.
Hidalgo said that she had checked herself into the facility in late July. The judge added that her experience has been difficult but she’s taking this opportunity to encourage others who need help to seek treatment.
Some Houston officials released statements Thursday in support of Hidalgo:
“Sometimes, the act of simply asking for help can be the hardest part along the road of healing. I applauded Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo when she spoke openly about her need for treatment for depression, and I look forward to welcoming her back in October when she returns to her duties.
“Overwhelmingly, I’ve seen supportive statements for her announcement from across the political spectrum. Given the wide swath of Houston families who have dealt with health issues – including mine – having leaders be open and honest about health needs has been a great example. Asking for help isn’t a weakness, and it shows great strength and self-awareness.
“Regrettably, some have chosen this medical issue as a reason to continue their political games. To those who have chosen that route and those who have chosen to publish and amplify that gamesmanship, you have shown us who you are. Mental health is a serious issue that demands your respect. I stand with Judge Hidalgo and hope those who have sought to gain from her illness reflect on what that says about them.
“Leaders understand that public statements on issues echo widely in the public – especially in stigmatizing matters like getting access to mental health treatment. Listen to the sound of your own voice and decide if you are leading, on simply throwing stones.”
- Mayor Sylvester Turner
“I’ve kept Judge Hidalgo in my prayers and the news that Judge Hidalgo’s recovery is progressing well enough that she will be back to work soon is great news. Her decision to go public about her condition was courageous, and only those who have had similar experiences can truly understand the recovery process. My colleagues and I have collectively handled the business of the county and its residents during her absence, it will be great to welcome Judge Hidalgo back. Our progress toward building a better Harris County for all will continue and has not been interrupted.”
- Commissioner Adrian Garcia
“I was completely struck by the overwhelming love and support that the people of Harris County displayed after Judge Hidalgo’s announcement that she was taking a leave to seek mental health treatment. Now, it’s essential that we as a community give her the continued support and time that she needs to focus on her well-being. In the meantime, I want to assure Harris County residents that everything will continue to run smoothly. Judge Hidalgo has maintained open lines of communication with her staff, and our Office of Emergency Management (OEM) remains fully prepared to respond to any potential incidents. I will continue to preside over official proceedings, including Commissioners Court. I look forward to having Judge Hidalgo back stronger than ever.”
- Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis
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