The world loses a man to suicide every minute of every day, which is 1,440 male deaths by suicide each day. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, and the rate is significantly higher in rural communities than urban areas. As healthcare providers, suicide can often be a difficult but necessary topic to address. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that rural communities already have nearly double the suicide rate as urban areas. Helping men build stronger social connections can reduce the risk of suicide. Community-focused programs such as QPR training and Mental Health First Aid can have a vital impact on mental wellness in our rural communities. As harvest season winds down in many regions, and hours spent in the fields by producers and field workers decreases somewhat, this is a good time to schedule those appointments that can mean so much!
Resources:
- Mental Health and the Impact on Wellness For Farm Families- AgriSafe Resource
- Changing Men’s Health: Leading the Future
- Movember: Changing the Face of Men’s Health
- Reducing rising rates of suicides among farmers and ranchers in rural America
- The Devastating Drought Across The West Could Mean An Increase In Farmer Suicides