Providing Crisis Intervention for People Living in Rural Areas

Rural America represents a range of cultures and lifestyles that are different from urban life. First of all, stigma may be intensified in rural communities because of lack of anonymity.  Everyone will know that if John Jones’ white pick-up is parked at the mental health center, he is likely receiving services. 

Service supply and choice of provider is frequently limited unless an individual travels to a larger urban area. In some areas, mental health services are not available within a convenient distance. 

Farmers and others in agribusiness tend to have a strong independent mindset that discourages requesting help from others. Farmers tend to be more isolated in their work settings, unlike factory workers or others who work in groups. Farmers are not as likely to receive active encouragement or support from their peers to seek assistance. 

Unlike most urban dwellers, farmers’ work lives are intertwined with their personal lives. The farm is both business and home. Therefore, any difficulty in one area has enormous impact on the other areas. Farmers may move closer to crisis when financial; health or family issues become stressful.