By Heriberto Perez–Zuñiga

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – APRIL 23, 2026 – Between work schedules, school deadlines, family obligations and the fast pace of daily life, many people focus on simply getting through the day and can quietly carry stress, anxiety or emotional strain while still meeting their responsibilities.

April is National Stress Awareness Month. Dr. Deepu George, a primary care behavioral health consultant and licensed marriage and family therapist at UT Health RGV, said people often conceal stress even as they keep up with daily demands.

"Just because you're taking care of tasks and responsibilities doesn't mean your mental health is fine," George said. "People can still be experiencing a lot of internal stress that they're not revealing or talking about." 

Work, school, and routine can mask underlying mental health concerns, he said.

"Sometimes work and school can become distractions from what you're really feeling," George said. "But when you finally slow down, those thoughts and stresses tend to come back. That can be a sign that it's time to check in on your well-being."

RECOGNIZING THE SIGNS

Mental health challenges don't always appear suddenly; they more often build gradually through ongoing stress, emotional strain or burnout. Stigma still leads many to delay seeking help, especially if they can function day to day.

"There's a common belief that you have to be in a crisis to seek help from a mental health provider," George said. "But taking care of your mental health shouldn't start only when things break down."

He encourages treating mental health like physical health.

"One analogy I often use is thinking about your car," he said. "If you only take your car to the mechanic after the warning lights have been on for months and it's already malfunctioning, the problem is usually much bigger by then."

Routine check-ins with a primary care provider or behavioral health specialist can identify concerns early and prevent them from becoming more serious.

"Just like you change the oil or check the tires on your car, it's important to regularly check in on your mental and emotional health," George said. 

MIND AND BODY CONNECTION

Mental health and physical health are closely linked as anxiety, depression and chronic stress often show up as physical symptoms.

"When people experience anxiety or stress, their heart can race, their muscles tense and they may have trouble sleeping," George said. "These are very real physical responses to mental health challenges." 

For this reason, George encourages patients to discuss mental health concerns during routine medical visits.

"Talking to your primary care provider about your mental health is just as important as talking about physical symptoms," he said.

INTEGRATED CARE AT UT HEALTH RGV

At UT Health RGV Primary Care (Edinburg), patients who establish care with a primary care provider also have access to behavioral health consultants who work alongside physicians to support whole-person care.

"When you establish care with us, you have access to a team that can help address both your physical and mental health," George said. "Our goal is to focus on prevention and support before challenges become more severe."

George urges people to pay attention to their emotional well-being and seek support when they feel overwhelmed, persistently stressed or emotionally drained. 

"Checking in with yourself and talking to someone you trust, whether it's a healthcare provider, family member or counselor, can make a meaningful difference," he said. "Your mental health is part of your overall health. Taking the time to care for it is one of the most important things you can do for your well-being."

To learn more about primary care and behavioral health services at UT Health RGV, visit UTHealthRGV.org.