Long-lasting effects from Katrina start to emerge

On the Gulf Coast, keeping your sanity carries the same odds as keeping your house did last Aug. 29.

The Weather Channel lacks footage to show the quiet mental toll that prolonged recovery is bringing. Along with insurance disputes, FEMA, job changes and a new hurricane season, residents battle inner challenges. In demographics, new census figures just now are showing what locals have known for months. The same is true of the statistics beginning to appear that show the disaster's impact on mental health.

The suicide rate in Harrison County is triple the same time frame last year. So far, 16 people have committed suicide this year, compared to about five in 2005. Harrison County Coroner Gary Hargrove also hears reports that suicide attempts are up.

from the Clarion-Ledger of Jackson Mississippi