Online Therapy Mississippi

Data from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) for Mississippi indicates that just under 450,000 in the state – approximately 15% of the population – have a diagnosed mental health condition. The correct figure is undeniably higher when the number of residents who have not received an accepted diagnosis is accounted for. Furthermore, an estimated 43% of adults report having symptoms of anxiety and depression. Woefully, Mississippi youth are on a more concerning path. The mental health outcomes they have experienced (and will experience) due to COVID-19 lockdowns will echo for years. The Behavioral Health Barometer for Mississippi reports that over 11 percent of those aged 12-17 have experienced a Major Depressive Episode (MDE). A comparison to other U.S. states in the Kindbridge service area is of particular concern – the barrier to access to sufficient help. NAMI reports that an unfathomable 80% of all residents live in a community that does not have adequate access to mental health professionals.

Using Technology to Overcome Tech Addictions

A lack of access to treatment is echoed in one particular public health concern that is growing within the state over the last decade. Problematic behavior regarding engagement with internet-enabled activities is harming the wellbeing of thousands (or more) of vulnerable residents within the Magnolia State. This is verified by the growth in Google search for “technology addiction treatment” and “solutions to technology addiction” in Mississippi. Related issues include the following:

• Problematic online gambling behavior: Recent research confirms that Mississippi is tied with Minnesota for the highest percentage of adults with a gambling disorder, and tied with Hawaii for the most gambling-related arrests per capita.
• Problematic use of pornography: National studies suggest that 7% of people have an unhealthy relationship with online pornography, equating 154,000 adult residents in Mississippi.
• Problematic online trading behavior: National studies suggest that 8% of investors meet the criteria for compulsivity regarding online trading. Data from ZipRecruiter indicates that about 1% of adult Americans participate in day trading. If this data holds true for Mississippi, it can be deduced that roughly 1,760 Mississippians may struggle to participate in online trading on a responsible manner.
• Unhealthy video gaming: A University of NM study indicates that 6% to 15% of gamers displayed signs of video gaming related technology addiction.
• Problematic online shopping behavior: National studies suggest that up to 16% of Americans struggle with unhealthy online shopping behavior.
• Unhealthy use of social media: The state joins the rest of the nation in the struggle to maintain a healthy relationship with social media. Interestingly, a University of Mississippi study (view here) found that individual effort to reduce time on social media actually resulted in increased time on social media. The results of this study confirm that success to abstain is often reliant upon support from a third party, namely via a counseling service that is qualified to treat digital dependencies.
• Dependencies on artificial intelligence: While more research needs to be done as the ubiquitous use of AI in daily life evolves, early indicators suggest that Mississippians need to be more mindful of their dependency on AI.

As a virtual counseling platform, Kindbridge leverages technology to treat all of the above. Counseling specific to each issue are available to any Mississippi resident with a smartphone, tablet, or laptop (everyone). Click or call to connect right now.

Successfully Treating Cooccurring Issues

A number of mental health concerns are comorbid with technology addictions. Whether you struggle with one or more of these as cooccurring (w/ problem tech use) issues or they are standalone concerns, we will help.

Anxiety	ADHD
Bipolar Disorder	Chronic Anger + Irritability
Depression	OCD
PTSD	Substance Use Disorder