Addressing Mental Health Challenges in Rural Communities: A Call for Action

The state of Missouri is having a difficult time dealing with mental health concerns, especially in its rural parts, according to a recent report on growing economic and mental health disparities in that state. Between 2003 and 2017, the suicide rate among rural Missourians increased by 78%, and the suicide death rate among men between the ages of 35 and 44 was quadruple that of the state as a whole. The designation of all 99 of Missouri's rural counties as Mental Health Professional dearth Areas further underlines the state's acute dearth of behavioural health care professionals.

The MU Extension has been working in collaboration with various organizations to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. The North Central Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Center and the Missouri Department of Agriculture have provided resources through grants from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

The MFA Foundation has made a four-year commitment to help rural areas that require mental health care. This grant will increase the number of teletherapy sessions and raise educational awareness in more remote locations, which will eventually help create a statewide campaign to raise awareness of mental health issues among Missouri's most vulnerable groups.

MU Extension has adopted innovative approaches to bring mental health services to rural families, such as telehealth counseling sessions and virtual meetings, to overcome obstacles and eliminate the stigma associated with in-person treatment.

In order to assist rural Missourians, MU Extension provides a number of mental health programmes, such as Mental Health First Aid, Q.P.R. Gatekeeper, Taking Care of You, Weathering the Storm in Agriculture: How to Cultivate a Productive Mindset, Communicating with Farmers Under Stress, and Tai Chi. Additionally, initiatives like Heroes to Hives specifically assist veterans of the armed forces.

In addition to these initiatives, Missouri residents can access the Iowa Concern Hotline, available 24/7, for assistance with stress-related issues, as well as legal and financial concerns. The hotline can be reached by dialing 711 or emailing iowaconcern@iastate.edu.

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