It may sound like a cliché that life can change in an instant. However, my life did just that following the sudden death by suicide in September 2012 of my 28-year-old nephew Brooks Winton, a family man who adored his three-year-old twins.

THE IMPETUS FOR RURAL MINDS

Brooks was employed as a farmer and steelworker – jobs that have notably high rates of suicide. Brooks hid his personal issues behind an easygoing smile and an infectious laugh. His premature death occurred within days of his brother’s wedding. As I was leaving the reception, Brooks gave me a big hug and said, “Uncle Jeff, thank you for everything you have done for my family.” Brooks was always grateful for any show of support…so I didn’t realize this was his way of saying goodbye.

The people of rural America face many challenges that are inherent in the volatility of farming, ranching, agriculture, mining, fishing, and forestry – industries that are the foundation of the rural economy impacting 46 million rural residents. Add to that geographic isolation, and it’s easy to see how stress and anxiety become a normal part of life in rural communities. For all of these reasons, Rural Minds – the only national 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on confronting rural mental health challenges and the stigma that surrounds mental illness – is dedicated to rural mental health awareness every month and every day of the year.

Filmed in a continuous-shot, Mother's Day, winner of Best Actress and Best of the Festival, is an honest portrayal of mental illness. Watch this riveting portrait of lived experience managing mental health challenges in rural New York, including a special introduction from the director, Travis Carlson, and Rural Minds Founder and Chairman, Jeff Winton.

Rural communities are often perceived as idyllic and peaceful places to live. For many people, however, the social isolation and loneliness associated with living in rural America can negatively impact their mental health. Farmers are among those most affected, as their unique lifestyle and work conditions can contribute to heightened anxiety, stress and depression. And as their mental health suffers, so too does the resilience of our local and nationwide food systems, which depend on farmers to grow crops and raise animals for meat, dairy and egg production.