Supporting Mental Wellness in Rural Communities

Behind every rural road, family farm, small business and tight-knit community is someone carrying challenges we can't always see. Financial uncertainty, long work hours, caregiving responsibilities, isolation and limited access to mental health services can weigh heavily on people living in rural Minnesota. While rural communities are known for their strength and resilience, suicide rates remain higher in many rural areas, reminding us that even the strongest among us sometimes need support.

This Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, we invite you to learn about the free resources, trainings and support available throughout our communities. Together, we can help ensure that no one has to face life's challenges alone.

Know the Lifeline: 988

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 by call, text or chat for anyone experiencing emotional distress, suicidal thoughts or concern for a loved one. It is free, confidential and available across Minnesota and the United States. Just dial 988.

Helpline for Farming and Rural Communities

Stressors such as isolation, financial pressures, weather uncertainty and caregiving responsibilities can affect mental health in rural areas.

Minnesota Farm and Rural Helpline:

• Call: 833-600-2670
• Text: FARMSTRESS to 898211
• Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) - Offers confidential support and resource navigation for farmers, ranchers and rural families.

Free Suicide Prevention Trainings

You do not need to be a mental health professional to help save a life. Locally, CentraCare's Suicide Prevention team offers several free evidence-based training courses designed for community members, educators, faith leaders, parents, farmers, kids, workplaces, and healthcare staff. You can contact our local Suicide Prevention Program Manager, Lisa Bershok (Lisa.Bershok@centracare.com) to ask about setting up a training specific to your needs.

Other Local Upcoming Workshops

The MDA is hosting free QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) and COMET (Changing Our Mental and Emotional Trajectory) workshops from mid-September through late October. Trainings are scheduled for Ada, Albert Lea, Austin, Buffalo, Cloquet, Crookston, Fergus Falls, Grand Rapids, Marshall, Mora, New Ulm, Rochester, Thief River Falls, Waite Park, Willmar and Worthington. Go to QPR/COMET workshops for dates, locations and registration. Questions, contact Meg Moynihan at meg.moynihan@state.mn.us or 651-201-6616.

Who should attend?

Farmers, farm family members, crop consultants, agriculture lenders, insurance adjusters, Extension educators, county or township officials, rural clergy, state or federal agency staff, veterinarians, agriculture coop staff and board members, grain elevator staff and anyone else who lives or works in a rural area.

1. QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) for Agriculture is a two-hour evidence-based workshop that teaches three steps to help you recognize warning signs, engage in supportive conversations, and connect someone at risk to appropriate care and life-saving resources. This workshop can serve as an introduction to suicide prevention or as a "refresher" for people who have taken a suicide prevention training in the past.
2. COMET (Changing Our Mental and Emotional Trajectory) is a two-hour interactive workshop that will teach you how to start a caring conversation with someone who seems sad, withdrawn or not quite themselves. You'll learn seven questions that can help someone who may be moving toward a mental health crisis turn their trajectory back toward a place of wellness.

Mental Health Support

CentraCare offers several options for mental health support. Talking to your primary care provider can be a great place to start creating a plan. Through your primary care, you can also access integrated behavioral health providers. These professionals can help navigate things such as current stressors, life changes, mental health diagnoses, suicidal thoughts and substance use concerns. These appointments can be a quick option for support and are offered in person or virtually.

Fenceline

A group of agriculturalists who come together to share common experiences that are uniquely equipped to help each other through the difficulties they face. Through sharing experiences, they help one another overcome isolation and find strength connecting with others.

Meetings are held every Monday at 6 a.m. and Thursday at 8 p.m. for one hour. Fenceline meetings are a structured place to connect with others and share your experiences living in agriculture. Meetings are easy to join from anywhere, even from the field.