Rural America is home to nearly 46 million people, and the rural lifestyle can present some unique challenges when it comes to this time of year.

“The holidays can be especially stressful for those of us who live on farms. Farming is always a financial roller coaster, with many factors that are out of our control. So when additional financial burdens and expectations are placed on farm families to purchase gifts and entertain during the holidays, this can lead to anxiety and depression. Since many farm families like mine work seven days a week, 365 days of the year, it can be difficult to attend holiday gatherings if they conflict with when livestock should be fed or cows need to be milked,” said Jeff Winton, Founder and Chairman of Rural Minds.

Rural Minds Founder & Chairman Jeff Winton and Pfizer Senior Director for Operation Health and Wellness Dr. Nikki Shaffer recently joined host Jesse Allen on his radio program, Agriculture of America, to discuss how to handle the stressors and mental health challenges that oftentimes accompany the holiday season.