Is it any wonder there is a mental health crisis in rural America? Hurricanes, floods, regulations, lawsuits, high input prices, low commodity prices — and those are just a few of the challenges farmers face. Add to that the pressure to maintain the family farm, one that gets harder with each generation. Finally, factor in that farmers, and as an extension farm families, are tough and often reluctant to talk about their feelings. We aren’t good at asking for help. 

The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) is expanding their existing support group network to create online rural mental health support groups that recognize the unique challenges of people in rural America who are living with a mood disorder. These peer-run rural online support groups will offer participants a confidential and supportive setting with support and learnings from others who have lived experience with depression and/or bipolar disorder. Formation of these groups is dependent upon people in rural communities who want to make a difference in the lives of others by volunteering to serve as a rural support group facilitator.