Mental Health in Rural Communities — HealthCetera
By Diana J Mason
Mental health has become a significant issue in rural communities, where rates of suicide may be 60% higher than in urban communities. People in rural communities may experience isolation that can exacerbate mental health problems; and mental health services are often sparse. Jeff Winton is the founder and executive director of Rural Minds, a nonprofit that aims to provide an informed voice and accurate information and resources on mental health in rural communities. Diana Mason, PhD, RN, spoke with Jeff Winton about his own experience with suicide in rural communities, the stigma associated with mental health problems, and what everyone can do to address these problems. This interview first aired on HealthCetera in the Catskills on WIOX Radio on July 5, 2023.