Mississippi faces a severe suicide crisis. From 2014 to 2021, nearly 3,400 Mississippians lost their lives to suicide, with 52 percent of those deaths occurring between 2018 and 2021. In 2021 alone, 480 Mississippians died by suicide, totaling 10,007 years of potential life lost. In 2020, 410 people died by suicide, with firearms accounting for nearly 70 percent of fatalities. According to data from the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 431,000 adults in Mississippi have a mental health condition, yet nearly 30 percent did not receive needed mental health care primarily due to cost.
Wendy Bailey, executive director of the Mississippi Department of Mental Health, emphasized the importance of self-care and awareness, particularly during stressful periods. “During any holiday season, it’s important to remember that it’s really common to feel additional stress. That stress can worsen symptoms of a mental health condition such as depression or anxiety or substance use disorder,” Bailey said. “Remember, it’s important to take care of yourself.” The department operates the Behavioral Health Crisis line available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 988.
Risk Factors and Warning Signs
Suicide is the third leading cause of death for Mississippi youth ages 15 to 24, and 53 percent of suicides occur for people between ages 25 and 54. Bailey identified warning signs that may indicate suicide risk, including previous attempts, a history of depression or other mental illness, withdrawal from enjoyed activities or loved ones, and changes in eating or sleeping habits. She also noted an often-overlooked sign: “Having a cheerfulness after a deep depression… A lot of times for parents who’ve lost their child to suicide, they may have said they thought their child was getting better and coming out of their depression. But if it happens pretty fast and it’s a drastic change, it needs to be taken into consideration.”
A state suicide prevention training initiative called “Shatter the Silence” offers targeted education for youth, older adults, military, law enforcement, first responders, postpartum mothers, faith-based groups, correction officers, and general adults. More than 10,000 people were trained during fiscal year 2023, with two-thirds participating in youth training. Bailey emphasized that “Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.”
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/2024/01/07/mississippi-department-of-mental-health-during-winter-season/71745514007/