Health science researchers at Ball State University in Indiana recently surveyed mental health professionals in several counties in the northeastern area of the state. It is no surprise that the findings are discouraging.
The professionals surveyed said almost unanimously that they are unable to meet the mental health needs of their communities. In addition, 90 percent of those responding said it’s difficult to recruit qualified professionals to work in rural areas, both because of lower pay and the lack of professional development opportunities.
This lack of available assistance is contributing to a relatively high rate of suicides in rural Indiana. Other factors include loneliness, divorce and “relationship issues,” substance abuse, health problems and financial troubles.
This report may be from Indiana, but it could have been written about Mississippi, too.
