September is National Suicide Prevention Month
Life in rural America can be rough, especially when weather-related events such as drought and flood put crops and livestock at risk.
University of Missouri Extension agronomist Valerie Tate knows this all too well. Tate has lost some friends and neighbors to suicide, a topic that still breaks her heart.
She’s not alone. September – National Suicide Prevention Month – is a painful reminder that life is tough in rural America. Tate says it is a good time to keep them safe, be there, help them connect and follow up.
Suicide is the 10th-leading cause of death among Americans. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that rural residents are at a higher risk of suicide than urban residents. The CDC also reports that more than half of U.S. counties don’t have a social worker, psychologist or psychiatrist. According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, 98% of the state’s rural counties are designated “mental health professional shortage areas.”
In addition to a shortage of mental and behavioral health services, workers in rural communities often face other barriers such as difficulty obtaining health insurance. There also may be sociocultural factors such as stigma against seeking help, especially for men. A lack of nearby medical services often hampers emergency care for those suffering from serious self-inflicted injuries or overdoses.
MU Extension works with numerous groups to provide resources to farmers and ranchers, especially those who live in underserved areas.
One is the AgriStress Helpline. MU Extension, in a partnership with the Missouri Department of Agriculture, is promoting the free, confidential service, which is available to Missouri producers and rural families seeking mental health support. Call or text 833-897-2474 for help. Health care professionals answer 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The MU Psychological Services Clinic(opens in new window) offers free teletherapy sessions for farmers and ranchers and members of their immediate families.
Learn more at muext.us/PSCFarmRanch(opens in new window), or contact the clinic at adpsc@missouri.edu(opens in new window) or 573-882-4677.