STARKVILLE — An Emmy-winning MSU Films production exploring youth suicide in the Magnolia State will air on Mississippi Public Broadcasting next week.
One-hour presentations of “Decision Point: Mental Health and Youth Suicide in Mississippi” are scheduled beginning 9 p.m. Monday, 4 p.m. Wednesday and 4:30 p.m. Sunday.
“Decision Point” is a blend of short films “Justin” and “Mariah” emphasizing the lasting effects of youth suicide – the second-leading cause of death for young Mississippians aged 10-22 – and the animated short “The Stuff of Nightmares,” which details nightmares’ impact on adolescents. Produced by Senior Documentary and Special Projects Producer James Parker and University Television Center Director David Garraway, “Justin” won a 2023 Southeast Emmy, while the Parker- and Creative Manager Hal Teasler-produced “Stuff of Nightmares” received the same accolade last year.
“Justin” also netted a 2023 Southeast Emmy for Mississippi State Professor of Psychology Michael Nadorff, director of the university’s clinical Ph.D. program, and Associate Clinical Professor Emily Stafford, MSU Psychology Clinic director, who used a portion of approximately $2 million in grant funding to produce the miniseries aimed at preventing youth suicide.
“Suicide can be very isolating, whether you or someone you love is having suicidal thoughts, have had a previous suicide attempt or have died by suicide. What these films show is people can recover from suicide,” Nadorff said. “While suicide leaves an indelible mark on us all, there is hope for recovery, and help is available.”
“Decision Point” contains descriptions and depictions of suicidal thoughts and actions. Viewer discretion is advised. Those in need of help can contact the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
To learn more about the MSU Department of Psychology’s suicide prevention services, call (662) 325-1222.
Visit utc.msstate.edu to learn more about the MSU Television Center. To watch MSU-produced documentaries and other media, visit films.msstate.edu.
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