Rising Suicide Rates in Rural America Linked to Lack of Mental Health Care
TL/DR –
Suicide rates in rural America have been significantly higher than in urban areas for the past 20 years and are rising more quickly, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This is despite the prevalence of mental illness being similar in both rural and urban areas, with the key difference being rural communities’ lack of access to mental healthcare. The National Rural Health Association attributes the higher rural suicide rates to barriers such as distance to clinics, lack of provider availability, cost, and stigma.
Rising Suicide Rates in Rural America Due to Limited Access to Mental Health Care
Visualizing rural America often yields images of tranquil towns and expansive farmlands, yet a serious problem is overshadowing these peaceful scenes. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide rates in rural areas have remained significantly higher than in urban areas over the last two decades, and they continue to rise at an alarming rate.
While the prevalence of mental illness is comparable among urban and rural dwellers, people in rural areas face an additional significant challenge that greatly amplifies their vulnerability to suicide: limited access to mental health care services.
Barriers to Mental Health Care Access in Rural Areas Drive Higher Suicide Rates
The National Rural Health Association reports that the lack of access to mental health care is a key factor driving the escalating rural suicide rates. Factors limiting access include the considerable distance to professional health care providers, insufficiency of available providers, prohibitive costs, and societal stigma.
Comprehensive Efforts to Bridge the Mental Health Care Gap in Rural Regions
The Huntsman Mental Health Institute is cognizant of the urgent need for improved mental health care services in rural communities. As a result, it is devoted to methodically tackling these obstacles to ensure equal mental health care availability for the underserved and broadening access for everyone.
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