mental health

Stress.     Whether it comes from one or several sources; life, home health, work, relationships, finances, uncertainty, messages...well, you get the idea. Most of us have some level of stress we deal with occasionally, if not regularly. That's w...

We’re in the final stretches of winter; the first day of spring in March 20th.  But, we still have a few weeks to go, and research shows 40% of Americans report their mood declines during the winter.  Gloomy feelings this time of year can lead to fatigue and depression, but experts have strategies to boost your mood year-round.   Rhonda Randall, ...

Oregon’s AgriStress Helpline is running out of money.  Northeastern Oregon State Representative Bobby Levy said the 24-7 crisis line provides a critical service to rural communities.   "Farmers, ranchers, loggers, commercial fishers experience significantly higher suicide rates than any other profession.”   Eastern Or...

For the 46 million people living in rural America, the holiday season can present added pressures to an already stressful time of year.  In addition to higher rates of depression, suicide rates among people in rural areas are 64%-68% higher compared to people living in large urban areas.  Ru...

Washington State University's Elizabeth Weybright, a was recently recognized nationally for her efforts to promote adolescent health. An associate professor and adolescent Extension specialist in Washington State University’s Department of Human Development, Weybright was one of two public university scholars to be honored with the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities‘  2024 Board on

December is typically the time of year of celebration and good cheer.  However, for many in rural communities, the absence of a loved one, regardless of the reason (death, divorce or another painful separation) can make this time of year very challenging.  Accordi...

The farming community is paying more attention to mental health, and the needs of everyone connected to the Ag community.  To help address those challenges, the AgriStress hotline was launched in Oregon in late 2023.  Matt McElligott, president of the Oregon Cattlemen's Association, said farmers and ranchers are a pretty independent and prideful people who don’t often talk about their struggles.  

Recent studies from Vanderbilt show the human brain begins to change around 33 years of age.  AARP’s Sean Voskuhl said things like quick decision making, math skills, and other skills start to slow down.  But there are things we can do to keep our brain engaged.   “One of the bigg...

Farming is a challenging occupation associated with increased levels of anxiety, depression, and even suicide.  The America Farm Bureau Federation’s Jessica Cabrera said AFBF has resources to help.   “Farm State of Mind is American Farm Bureau's mental well-being campaign. We work to increase aware...

To help producers cope with stress in Idaho, a workshop is set for Twin Falls on June 26th.