dailyloe.com – May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, highlighting crucial resources for Mississippians experiencing mental health issues. Dr. Mark Ladner, chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at UMMC, emphasized the importance of seeking help. He stated, “One of the biggest risk factors in a non-treated mental illness is suicide, and we certainly want to do everything we can to prevent that.”
According to Ladner, many psychiatric disorders can lead to significant life disruptions. These conditions can cause individuals to lose jobs, careers, and relationships. Prompt treatment is vital to mitigate these potential consequences.
Wendy Bailey, executive director for the Mississippi Department of Mental Health, noted that help is accessible for all, including low-income families. She explained that most resources are provided through 12 community mental health centers statewide. These centers offer sliding scale fees to assist those who may struggle to afford care.
These community centers provide various services, including crisis response and intensive support for both children and adults. Bailey stressed the importance of reaching out, especially with the rising demand for mental health services.
In the first six months of the fiscal year, nearly 14,000 calls were made to the 988 behavioral health crisis line, a significant increase of 20% to 30% since its inception in the state. Bailey remarked, “The more open that we are to having those conversations… that’s when you do see an increase in the number of people who are receiving services.”
For more information on available resources and locating a community mental health center, individuals can visit the Department of Mental Health’s website or call 988. Bailey reassured, “Realizing that it’s OK to not be OK and there’s people there to help and that help is available for everyone in our state.”
