JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Poor mental health is a problem across the nation, but recent reports say it’s especially prevalent in Mississippi.
According to data from Mental Health America (MHA), Mississippi has the sixth-lowest rate of mental illness in the state. However, MHA found that Mississippi has the seventh-worst mental health outcomes for adults in the state in the nation. The state also ranks 50th among U.S. states and the District of Columbia when it comes to access to mental health care. This contributed to the state’s overall ranking of 34th by MHA.
The state’s overall ranking dropped nine places compared to last year’s ranking, but since 2020, the state’s overall ranking has been in the range of 25th to 36th nationally. MHA used factors such as the cost of mental health resources, insurance coverage, number of mental health poor days and substance abuse history in its analysis.
In Mississippi, more than 30% of adults who report frequent mental distress report not visiting a doctor due to cost. Residents of the state have the lowest per capita income in the nation. According to a recent WalletHub report, Mississippi has the fifth highest rate of uninsured adults and the 16th highest rate of uninsured children.
Despite Mississippi’s low youth coverage rates, youth mental health appears to be better than adults: For example, the MHA ranked Mississippi 18th for children’s mental health and resources.
In July, the Mississippi Department of Mental Health announced the launch of the Mental Health Mississippi mobile app, which provides Mississippians with instant access to mental health resources and support by offering the following services:
- Crisis Response Resources and Support
- Educational Materials
- Interactive Map
- Resource Directory
