In Houston Matters, Emmy award-winning actor Joe Pantoliano will be featured on May 9th to discuss his life and career. Known as “Joey Pants,” he is in town to speak at an event hosted by the Menninger Clinic, where he will share his mental health journey. In 2008, he was diagnosed with clinical depression and since then has founded a nonprofit aimed at changing how mental health is perceived and discussed.
Despite increased awareness and openness about mental health challenges, many individuals still struggle with the stigma associated with mental health. Those who are open about their journey often face social and professional stigma as well. In the upcoming segment of Houston Matters, we will explore the prevalence of mental health stigma, how it can vary between individuals and situations, and what can be done to address it. Dr. Michael Winters and Dr. Rheeda Walker, both psychologists in the Houston area, will join the discussion. Dr. Walker is also a professor at the University of Houston and the author of The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health.
