Topics: Depression

For more information and resources, see the Mental Health topic guide.

The Most Costly Chronic Medical Condition in America: Experts Talk About the Rural Aspects of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias

It is the most costly of chronic medical conditions. Described by some as “hidden” conditions, experts talk about the complex needs of rural Americans with Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias and their caregivers.

Recent research has found that not only are nearly 40% of surveyed physicians burned out, but 40% are also experiencing depression. For many reasons — stigma among them — these professionals are not getting mental health support. Physician health programs, in collaboration with professional societies, are trying to change that by working with state licensure boards and other groups.

National research has revealed it and rural research suggests it: over 40% of today’s physicians are burned out. This in-depth story reviews information about burnout in healthcare professions and for physicians in particular. Along with reviewing causes and impact, a medical school wellness-advocate, a researcher, and a large healthcare organization with a rural footprint shared interventions and solutions.

Over 40% of today’s physicians are burned out. A closer look at research indicates that not only is this a system problem rather than an individual problem, but that burnout impacts a system’s revenue streams, healthcare quality, and patient safety and satisfaction. Experts suggest the problem may even be of more concern in rural areas.

As more healthcare delivery efforts include social risk assessments, the impact of the social determinants of health is better understood. Rural clinicians, researchers, and other experts share perspectives on social isolation and loneliness.

Difficult economic conditions have caused many farmers to experience high levels of stress and a sense of hopelessness about saving their business and way of life. The Minnesota Farm & Rural Helpline and NY FarmNet are working to improve farmers’ mental health and prevent suicides.

The connection between bullying and youth suicide in rural Union Parish, Louisiana, led a Critical Access Hospital to create an anti-bullying program. Together with local law enforcement, they teach students in elementary through high school the negative effects of peer victimization and how to model positive social behavior.

The Oregon Washington Health Network and the Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center are addressing behavioral health challenges through peer counselors and heart disease/cancer prevention through community education. In addition, they’re collaborating with local healthcare facilities and medical schools to improve recruitment and retention.

For the past few decades, suicide rates for working-aged men have been at a steep incline. Healthy Men Michigan is a unique campaign that evaluates the risk of depression and suicide in Michigan men through an anonymous online survey. Male-dominated industries and other organizations are drawn to the campaign’s creative methods that appeal to working-aged men.

The Rural Monitor

Articles and resources on key rural health issues, from the Rural Health Information Hub

Topics: Depression

Healthcare Professionals’ Mental Health Needs: Where Can They Go?

Physician Burnout: Definition(s), Cause(s), Impact(s), Solution(s)

Burnout: Measurement Tool(s), Cause(s) and Impact(s)

Preventing Farmer Suicides through Helplines and Farm Visits

Together We Can Be Bully Free: CAH and Law Enforcement Address Peer Victimization through School-Based Program

Oregon Washington Health Network and Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center “Tackle Everything” to Improve the Health of Local Community Members

Online Screening Helps Michigan Men Gauge Mental Health