WJTV reports that Mississippi recorded 457 deaths by suicide in 2023, alongside persistent statewide resource and coverage gaps and MDMH youth outreach efforts.
Suicide data reported by WJTV
WJTV reported that suicide data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed more Mississippians dying by suicide. The outlet said Mississippi recorded 457 deaths by suicide statewide in 2023, which it identified as the year with the latest CDC data.
According to WJTV, the Mississippi Department of Mental Health said suicide is the third leading cause of death among Mississippi residents ages 10 through 24. WJTV reported that young people in that age range made up a significant portion of the statewide suicide deaths recorded in 2023.
WJTV also reported that Mississippi’s suicide rate rose by nearly 10% overall compared with 2022. The outlet said this contrasted with most Southern states, where suicide rates either decreased or stayed roughly the same from the prior year. WJTV described Mississippi’s increase as one of the larger jumps in the region.
Resource shortages
WJTV reported that gaps in mental health resources can worsen negative mental health outcomes statewide. Citing VocoVision, the outlet said Mississippi was tied with Alabama and New Mexico for the fewest school psychologists nationally.
More broadly, WJTV reported that Mississippi had the nation’s 10th-worst mental health provider shortage, with one provider for every 543 people. The report presented those workforce limits as part of the wider challenge of connecting residents with mental health services.
Coverage and affordability concerns
According to WJTV, the National Alliance on Mental Illness reported that roughly 13% of Mississippi residents lacked health insurance. The outlet also reported that insurance coverage does not necessarily mean mental health treatment is affordable or available in-network.
WJTV said Mississippians were more than three times as likely to be forced out of network for mental health care as for primary health care, citing NAMI. The report identified out-of-network care as a potential barrier for people seeking mental health treatment despite having comprehensive coverage.
State outreach efforts
WJTV reported that the Mississippi Department of Mental Health developed resources in response to mental health access gaps. Among those efforts, the outlet said MDMH launched its Shatter the Silence campaign in 2024.
According to WJTV, the campaign encouraged young people to talk through their struggles. The source extract did not describe additional details about the campaign or its results.
What this means for Mississippi patients
WJTV’s report highlights that finding mental health treatment locally may involve provider, insurance, and network-access considerations. The directory lists 21 published clinics in Mississippi.
This is general information, not medical advice.
More Mississippi reporting on access & coverage.
This report is educational and is not medical advice. Coverage, availability and eligibility can change; verify details with the named source or your care team.