Skip to content

Out of the Shadows

Rural America is experiencing a mental health crisis. It’s time to bring it out of the shadows.

Watch The Documentary Viewer discretion is advised. This video contains accounts of self-harm and suicide, which may be upsetting to some viewers.

If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. Help is available around the clock every day.

1 in 5 adults in rural America reported having a mental illness in 2023. 1
4.8% of adults in rural America reported having serious thoughts of suicide. 1
3.5x Farmers are much more likely to die by suicide than the general population. 2
+46% The suicide rate has increased in rural America in the last 20 years. 2

Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Though we may be separated by distance and daily operations, our rural communities are connected at the root.

Recognizing the immense impact mental health challenges can have on rural communities, Farm Credit has partnered with several organizations to provide resources to help farmers and ranchers manage stress and improve their mental health.

View More Resources

Special thanks to those interviewed for this project, for bringing this issue out of the shadows.

Rachael Clews
Rachael is an extension agent for Kansas State University. In this role, she works to expand stress management and advocates for mental health resources in rural communities.
Jeff Ditzenberger
Jeff is a farmer and military veteran who founded TUGS, a nonprofit organization dedicated to breaking the stigma surrounding mental illness.
Amber Dykshorn-Luke
Shortly after taking over the family farm, Amber lost her husband Chris to suicide. She shares her story hoping to save other families from going through what she and her children have endured.
Senator Roger Marshall
Kansas senator Dr. Roger Marshall is an outspoken advocate for providing mental health resources to underserved rural communities.
Greg Mruk
As the Executive Director of NY FarmNet, Greg works with farmers in crisis. With more than 30 years of experience in agriculture, he’s seen the impact mental illness has on farmers and ranchers.
Ellen Stewart
Ellen authored the book "Mental Health in Rural America: A Field Guide." She has more than 15 years of experience as a licensed therapist in rural New York state.
Cole and Jamie Viramontes
New Mexico farmers Cole and Jamie Viramontes have experienced firsthand the effects of the mental health crisis in rural America, after losing a close family friend to suicide.
Jeff Witte
Since 2011, Jeff has served as New Mexico’s Secretary of Agriculture. He works to bridge the gap between legislators and the agriculture community.

Build Awareness

Did you shine a light on the mental health crisis in rural America within your community or organization?

Tell Us Here View the Campaign Kit

Watch the Trailers

3-Minute Trailer
90-Second Trailer
1 Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 2 Source: National Rural Health Association