ORGANIZATIONS MUST CONFRONT MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES IN RURAL AMERICA–THE TENNESSEAN

By Rural Minds Founder and Chairman, Jeff Winton

This article was published as an OpEd at www.tennessean.com on Sept. 7, 2022

When country music legend Naomi Judd tragically passed away on April 30, it was a sobering reminder of the many people who are suffering with mental health challenges in rural America. Like millions of her other fans, many of whom grew up listening to Judd’s music like I did, I was devastated to learn the news about her untimely death after her brave and public journey living with mental illness. Along with recognizing September as Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s important to note that suicide rates among people living in rural counties are 25% higher than those in major metropolitan areas.

Judd’s death underscores that no matter if you are a farmer in Kansas, a rancher in Texas or a country music star, mental health challenges touch many, many people who live and work in rural America. And, sadly, the stigma about asking for help appears to be alive and well, especially in rural areas.  

I recall watching Naomi speak openly about her pain and her lifetime battle with depression on the "TODAY" show in 2017. Naomi said that she was trying to start a national conversation about depression and anxiety. She identified herself as “just one little country singer” out of 43 million people who suffer from depression and anxiety.

My beloved nephew, Brooks Winton, took his own life 10 years ago because, like so many in small towns and remote areas of our country, he kept his suffering to himself and, for whatever reason, could not bring himself to ask for help. This is why in October 2021, I founded Rural Minds, a nonprofit organization that aims to end the suffering, silence and stigma around mental illness in rural America. It is our mission to serve as the informed voice for mental health in rural America, and to provide mental health information and resources. There are several established organizations that provide excellent mental health information and services, but Rural Minds is the only nonprofit organization focused entirely on confronting the mental health challenges in rural communities across the country.

As the founder and chairman of Rural Minds, I see it as my responsibility to continue the conversation about mental illness Naomi referenced during that interview five years ago. I am saddened to think that, while she tried to help others suffering with mental illness, Naomi herself – like my nephew and so many others in rural America – was not able to get the help that she needed.

While mental health is imperative for overall health, some people do not recognize mental illness as a disease. Rather, it is sometimes perceived as a character flaw or a personal weakness. Mental illness is an illness – just like cancer or diabetes. And just as it is with many other diseases, the person who is ill is not responsible for getting the illness. Much of the stigma around mental illness may be rooted in the misdirected and unfair shame that can be an added burden for someone who is already suffering with a mental illness.

Research shows us that even the simple act of sharing stories can be a critical first step in people finding help for their own mental health challenges. This is my hope as I honor the life and passing of Naomi Judd. Our hearts and prayers go out to her daughters and the millions of people who loved her and considered her a friend as we did. More information about Rural Minds is available here.