Emmy award-winning actor Joe Pantoliano, also known as “Joey Pants,” will be featured on Houston Matters on Thursday, May 9th to discuss his life and career. He is in Houston to speak at an event hosted by the Menninger Clinic, where he will share his mental health journey. Pantoliano was diagnosed with clinical depression in 2008 and has since founded a nonprofit aimed at changing how mental health is perceived and discussed.
During previous discussions on Houston Matters about mental health, the topic of stigma always arises. 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 mental health 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.