Topics: Suicide and suicide prevention

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

A Rural Therapist and School Program Address Teen Mental Health

Carey Meyer (left) and Rebecca Schoenike, adult advisors for Clintonville High School’s Sources of Strength program.


Rural teens face a higher prevalence of behavior problems, anxiety, and suicide rates than their urban peers, but there are fewer behavioral health providers in rural areas to help these teens. A trauma therapist in rural West Virginia and a school program in rural Wisconsin incorporate teenagers’ strengths and interests and connect them with trusted adults in order to improve their mental health.

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January 25, 2023

Bringing Mental Health Services to Rural Residents

graphic with the words mental health and related icons


A new library initiative in Texas and an established crisis line in Georgia are bringing mental health services directly to rural residents through teams of lay mental health workers and mental health professionals.

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May 4, 2022

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

two exhausted surgeons with hands on head


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.

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January 29, 2020

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

Burnout graphic featuring a stethoscope on fire


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.

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January 22, 2020

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

keyboard enter key labeled with the word "Burnout"


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.

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January 22, 2020

Preventing Farmer Suicides through Helplines and Farm Visits

Meg Moynihan, Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) Senior Advisor of Strategy & Innovation, on her organic dairy farm. Photograph by Cory Ryan, courtesy of UMN School of Public Health


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.

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May 15, 2019

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

Students listen to a Together We Can Be Bully Free presentation in Farmerville, Louisiana.


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.

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July 25, 2018