Rural Minds

For many people who live in rural communities, accessing healthcare is a challenge. But that challenge is greater for rural LGBTQ+ people. In addition to social isolation, shortages of healthcare professionals, and transportation barriers, LGBTQ+ individuals also risk encountering stigma and discrimination. "Health Equity NOW!” – the theme for this year’s National LGBTQ Health Awareness Week – is a call to action for better healthcare access and outcomes for the LGBTQ+ community. While shifts in policies and funding threaten the health of some of our nation’s most vulnerable communities, a commitment to protecting vital services and expanding inclusive care must remain a priority for us all. If you or someone you know in the LGBTQ+ community is struggling, help is available. You can call or text a trusted support line, including: ?? The Trevor Project Call 866-488-7386 or Text “Start” to 678-678 ?? The Trans Lifeline Call 877-565-8860 In addition, visit the Rural Minds website at RuralMinds.org for free mental health information and resources. #LGBTQHealthAwarenessWeek #LGBTQHealth #HealthIsMentalHealth #RuralMentalHealth

In recognition of #WorldSleepDay, let’s talk about the power of sleep! Your mental health matters and sleep is a big part of it. It helps regulate mood, reduce anxiety, and improve overall well-being. If you’re struggling with sleep, try these tips: ?? Limit screen time before bed ?? Stick to a bedtime routine ?? Create a calm sleep environment ?? Aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night How do you wind down for a good night’s rest? Share your tips in the comments below ??

Today’s politics and divisive news cycles can take a toll on mental health, leading to increased anxiety and stress. By limiting news consumption and social media, taking care of your physical health, staying connected, and taking purposeful action, you can navigate political stress and do it in a meaningful way. Find tips on how to manage feeling overwhelmed during these turbulent political times in this Psychology Today article: bit.ly/4kcXiV5 #RuralMentalHealth #RuralResilience #RuralMinds

Good sleep shouldn’t be considered a luxury – it’s essential for mental well-being! Sleep, along with diet and exercise, are the three health behaviors that are key to mental health. In rural communities, where stress and long hours can take their toll, prioritizing sleep is essential. Learn about sleep’s impact on the health and safety of people living in rural America in this Rural Health Information Hub article: bit.ly/3ELNd1d #SleepAwarenessWeek #RuralMentalHealth

In recent years, the number of teens seeking emergency care for self-harm has increased by 300%. Most people who self-harm do so to cope with anger, negative feelings, or difficult situations. The key to reducing the prevalence of self-harm is learning how to recognize, understand, and intervene when someone is self-harming. If you or someone you know is struggling and need help managing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 to connect with a caring, trained counselor who can help. It’s free, confidential, and available 24/7. Learn more about the warning signs of self-harm in this Psychology Today article: bit.ly/3SXBnpu #SelfHarmAwarenessMonth #RuralMentalHealth #988Lifeline

We’re grateful for opportunities to raise awareness of rural mental health challenges and provide actionable information and resources to confront the mental health crisis in rural America. Here are some of the latest events that featured Rural Minds: ?? On February 13, Rural Minds Founder & Chairman Jeff Winton presented a webinar via Zoom on building brand equity with corporate social responsibility programs for the National Agri-Marketing Association – the nation’s largest association for professionals in marketing and agribusiness. ?? On February 19, Jeff gave a presentation for New York State Office of Mental Health’s 2025 Suicide Prevention Coalition Academy webinar: “Wellness and Resilience in Rural Communities an Overview of Rural Minds.” bit.ly/3Dn3Hwp ?? On February 19, Jeff was the guest speaker at the Chautauqua Community Dinner held at Hurlbut Memorial Community United Methodist Church in Chautauqua, NY.

As a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to advocating for the 46 million people who call rural America their home, we at Rural Minds are deeply concerned by the actions taken by the current administration regarding the newly imposed tariffs that will damage an already fragile agricultural marketplace in this country. Click here to read a Rural Policy Response from Rural Minds Founder and Chairman Jeff Winton: bit.ly/4imLrSB

Today is Self-Injury Awareness Day. #RuralMinds joins other organizations around the globe to help break the silence around self-harm and remind those who are struggling that they are not alone. In rural communities, where resources can be harder to access, it’s more important than ever to encourage open, judgment-free conversations about mental health. If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out. Help is available and healing is possible. If you need help managing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 to connect with a caring, trained counselor who can help. It’s free, confidential, and available 24/7. #SelfInjuryAwarenessDay #SelfHarmAwarenessDay #988Lifeline #RuralMentalHealth

Did you know that boys and men make up about a third of those diagnosed with an eating disorder? Males who struggle with eating disorders face unique challenges including stigma, misconceptions, and reluctance to seek help. Plus, differences in symptoms from those widely recognized in girls and women often interfere with timely diagnosis and treatment. Learn more about unrecognized eating disorders in boys and young men in this American Psychological Association article: bit.ly/3PDXLS7 #NationalEatingDisorderAwarenessWeek #EDAW

?? CMS is deciding whether Austedo & Vraylar will be subjected to Medicare price negotiations. This could mean new access barriers for patients and fewer incentives for mental health research. ?? Who should submit a comment? ? Patients & Caregivers: Share how these medications have improved quality of life. ? Clinicians & Researchers: Provide evidence of these treatments’ effectiveness and the risks of limiting access. ? Advocates: Ensure mental health treatment remains a priority in healthcare policy. ?? Mental health drug development is already one of the most complex fields—with long timelines, high failure rates, and significant research hurdles. We can’t afford additional roadblocks. ?? Take action before March 1, 2025: Learn how to submit your public comment at https://lnkd.in/e43vj-br Let’s make our voices heard! #MentalHealthAdvocacy #ClinicalResearch #Pharma #Medicare #DrugPricing #Innovation #PublicHealth