Grange Continues Efforts in New York - Lancaster Farming
5. Rural Minds
A very concerning health fact was brought to the Grange’s attention — people in rural areas, and especially farmers, are more likely to commit suicide than individuals in urban areas.
Rural people’s nature of being private about their affairs and their general determination to take care of themselves contributes to this problem.
The lack of mental health treatment in rural areas is also a contributing factor.
People who live in rural towns experience the positives and negatives of everybody knowing everybody. Even where there are clinics available, people are reluctant to attend because others might recognize their vehicle outside and start rumors.
A more concerning aspect is the reluctance to talk about the problem. Many who have had suicides in their family refuse to admit it or to talk about it because they feel shame.
The Rural Minds organization aims to remove the mental health stigma.
One of the best ways to prevent the ultimate act is to be comfortable with getting necessary help before it’s too late.