Heathly Rural Communities

Those of us who live on farms and in rural communities know the advantages: tight knit, supportive neighbors; being close to nature; having a connection to the land; and real value placed on our heritage and way of life. We are strong, independent, self-sufficient and resilient. And we need those qualities to survive, because along with this wonderful, rewarding way of life, we also face a lot of stress: fluctuating market prices, unpredictable weather conditions, consolidated schools, the need for off-farm income, etc. To maintain healthy relationships and truly enjoy the gifts of rural life, we must face stress directly, learn from the past, and reach out for and use resources when we need them.

? Agriculture ranks #12 out of 130 of the most stressful occupations
? MN farmers have a suicide rate 3 times greater than the general population
Unchecked, stress can lead to:
? Farm accidents; injury
? Illness (heart disease, hypertension, stroke, cancer, diabetes, mental health issues)
? Increased conflict; divorce
? Violence; suicide
? Substance abuse
? Poor parenting practices that can cause problems for youth in school achievement, peer relations, depression and substance abuse

Just like maintaining your machinery is
important to good farm management, maintaining your mental health and family
relationships is important to a healthy
future for your family. Take stock of your
stress level and know it is always okay
to ask for help.

HOW DO I RECOGNIZE STRESS AND DEPRESSION?
Stress and depression can affect your whole self. Watch for changes in routine, care of livestock, farmstead decline, increase in illness, increase in farm or ranch accidents, signs of stress in children (poor school work, behavior problems, chemical use.)

Cognitive signs ? stress and depression affect the way you think
? Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions
? Thinking about and/or planning suicide
Emotional signs ? stress and depression affect the way you feel
? Loss of spirit, loss of humor
? Persistently feeling sad, empty or numb, crying easily
? Feeling angry, irritable or moody; fighting and arguing a lot, blaming others
? Feeling hopeless, helpless, worthless or guilty; pessimistic; ?I am such a failure?
? Feeling alienated or outcast; alone even when with friends/family
? Feeling anxious and worried
Physical signs ? stress and depression affect the way your body functions
? Loss of energy, exhaustion
? Sleeping more or less than usual, trouble sleeping
? Eating more or less than usual
? Recurring headaches, backaches, stomachaches, frequent illnesses, ulcers
Behavioral signs ? stress and depression affect the way you act
? Avoiding friends, withdrawl from social situations, isolating self
? Loss of interest in activities/hobbies that used to be fun, including sex
? Alcohol or drug use to escape or mask feelings
? Acting out, violent acts, attempting suicide
If you or someone you know has two or more of these symptoms and they persist for two weeks or longer, see a doctor, therapist or psychiatrist. The best treatment has been shown to be a combination of talk therapy and medication. Suicidal thoughts are an emergency.
Don?t wait to see other signs? get help now!

WHAT ABOUT SUICIDAL THINKING?
Why is there a higher rate of suicide in rural areas? One of the biggest risk factors for suicide is an underlying mental health disorder ? depression, bi-polar depression, schizophrenia or certain personality disorders. These mental disorders are often triggered by stress.

There is no definitive way to know who will attempt suicide, but these are common signs:
? Severe or increasing symptoms of anxiety or depression
? Withdrawn, alone, lack of friends and support
? Change in religious practices - stops or increases in going to church
? Sense of complete powerlessness, a feeling of hopelessness or loss of control ? losing the farm, divorce, custody, etc.
? Alcohol or other chemical abuse ? there is often a link between chemical use/abuse and suicide
? Previous suicide attempts ? even if many years prior
? Suicidal plan ? gathers means to carry through act i.e. gun, rope, pills
? Prepares for death ? writes/changes will suddenly, buys life insurance, buys burial plot/plans funeral, gives away possessions, reconciles relationships, returns borrowed items, says goodbye in some way
? Talks about suicide ? ?I?m calling it quits.? ?My family would be better off without me.? ?You won?t have to worry about me much longer.?
? Thoroughly cleans up yard, barn, shop, house, or office

There are some keys to healthy living that are helpful to maintain good mental health: Physical Keys
? Exercise regularly
? Eat healthy ? lose the junk food and plan healthy snacks during busy times on the farm
? Keep a routine
? Get a massage
? Take medications regularly if you have them for mental health issues, keep regular appointments with your therapist and medical doctor
? Access mental health services when needed
? Get involved in your community ? volunteer!

Emotional Keys
? Laugh and keep your sense of humor
? Take responsibility for your own actions - learn conflict resolution skills
? Stay connected with your support system ? spend time with positive people in your life
? Hold regular family meetings to discuss the bad and celebrate the good

Spiritual Keys
? Consider your faith life ? find a church if you don?t have one, get involved, attend religious study
? Use positive self-talk
? Take a stand against verbal and physical violence
? Meditate, pray, find a mentor and meet regularly

Depression and other mental health issues are treatable illnesses of the brain. For some, left untreated, it can lead to alcoholism, drug abuse, illness, divorce or even suicide. Get help as early as possible. It isn?t easy to seek treatment for depression, anxiety and other mental health issues. It can take a long time to get better, but through therapy and medical treatment, you can be healthy and happy again!

There are many places we can turn for help in rural communities. In an emergency, be sure to be specific with the receptionist about the situation. Tell her if the person is suicidal. There is a shortage of health and mental health care in rural areas. You may need to advocate for immediate help.

Clergy ? some can do spiritual counseling, but should refer you to medical help too

Family doctor ? some have education in mental health, others do not ? they can do diagnosis and medication management, but is not a specialist

Psychologist ? primarily does talk therapy (many different philosophies)

Psychiatrist ? primarily does medication management and maintenance

Religious social service agency ? (Lutheran Social Services, Catholic Charities, etc.)

Hospital emergency room ? if someone is imminently suicidal, it is an emergency.

1-800-SUICIDE
1-800-273-TALK Nationally or
1-800-865-0606 South Central MN
are 24/7 toll free hotlines anyone can use for crisis counseling and referral.