Nearly 35,000 of Mississippi’s children have persistent mental health needs
JACKSON, Miss. – Eighty percent of U.S. children with mental health problems do not receive treatment. For Mississippi children, diagnosis and treatment of mental illness is a maze of stigma, confusion, misinformation and lack of access to proper treatment.
MPB’s television series “Southern Remedy” examines how the medical field and other authorities approach mental illness in children. “Growing Pains: Mental Health and Mississippi’s Children” airsFridays at
7:30 p.m. from September 25 to October 23. The five-part series features parents sharing their stories as they come to grips with their child’s mental health issues.
“Mississippi data shows we are not making the grade, especially in the area of children and adolescent mental health. The evening news proves that point on a regular basis,” said Dr. Rick deShazo, professor of medicine and pediatrics at the University of Mississippi Medical Center and “Southern Remedy” host. “The health and wellbeing of our children is the most important responsibilitynot only as parents but also as members of our communities.”
On Sept. 25, the “Growing Pains” series will be available on the PBS Video app and on MPB’s YouTube channel. “Southern Remedy” is MPB’s flagship wellness program dedicated to keeping Mississippians healthy. It consists of a weekday call-in radio show hosted by physicians from UMMC and television news documentary programs and public affairs specials.
Episode descriptions:
September 25 - What is Mental Illness? — The episode explores the history of mental illness, the risk factors for children, access to help and the impact of mental illness in teens.
October 2 - Symptoms and Diagnosis — Parents share their stories about the symptoms their child had and how the mental health care providers reached a diagnosis. Christian counselors and pastors weigh in on the role of religion in mental health.
October 9 - Treatment — Inthis episode, resources for help and the types of treatment for children are discussed. Parents and medical experts talk about the barriers to receiving treatment.
October 16 - Access to Care — Co-host Melissa Faith Payne talks with a mental health advocate, a children’s mental health provider and a mother of four whose children have received mental health treatment.
October 23 - Consequences — In this final episode, advocates and mental health providers discuss the consequences of not treating mental illness. A father shares his story about his son’s mental decline as a result of abusing drugs.
###
