It is January and North Dakota farmers may already be looking ahead to the spring planting season.
Mental health providers see hope and challenges in assisting producers who are overwhelmed about their operation's outlook.
Becky Kopp Dunham, clinical social worker and co-owner of Together Counseling, which has a program specifically geared for farmers in the eastern half of the state. She acknowledged there is still a stigma among the farming community regarding mental health care needs. But Dunham feels reluctance has been fading by making inroads with family members and farm employees.
"There's a domino effect in these communities," Dunham explained. "It isn't just literally the farmer and rancher but it's people that are involved with them. They feel the impact of those hardships."
Since 2021, Dunham pointed out their program has served nearly 90 farmers and ranchers and their families. A grant program through North Dakota State University helped make the counseling more accessible. But the funding has dried up, and Dunham noted keeping insurance costs lower could help additional producers sign up for sessions or prevent existing clients from having to pause counseling.
Dunham added because farmers are self-employed, higher health insurance costs are one of the many things leading to added stress. Even when yields and income are strong, she emphasized farmers have a lot to worry about.
"[There are] still concerns about finding the parts for their equipment, the cost of equipment or not having a succession plan for the next generation," Dunham outlined. "That's causing conflict."
Because of climate change, unpredictable weather is making it harder for farmers to plan from season to season. While her office is based in Fargo, Dunham said they offer telehealth services.
The North Dakota Department of Agriculture has a list of mental health resources on its website.
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The Alabama Senate has passed a bill which would give gun owners struggling with mental health challenges the option to voluntarily surrender their firearms.
Sen. Keith Kelley, R-Anniston, sponsored Senate Bill 40, named the "Houston/Hunter Act" in honor of Houston Lee Tumlin and Hunter Chase Whitley, two veterans who died by suicide.
Data from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs showed about 86% of veteran suicides in Alabama involve firearms. Kelley said the bill was inspired by their stories, with hopes similar tragedies can be prevented.
"Their mothers feel like that if this bill had been in place and they could have turned in those firearms voluntarily, that it would have likely saved their lives," Kelley explained.
The bill also protects gun dealers and law enforcement from lawsuits if a firearm is returned and later misused. However, if they violate laws while handling a returned firearm, they could still be held accountable. The bill now moves to the House for consideration.
Sen. Merika Coleman Evans, D-Birmingham, voiced her support for the measure on the Senate floor. She also urged fellow lawmakers to consider Senate Bill 170, which she said is an initiative with a more proactive approach to removing firearms from individuals who could harm themselves or someone else.
"My bill is not a 'voluntary,' but it is an opportunity for us to get those firearms away from people who have deemed to be a threat to themselves or others," Coleman Evans outlined.
Under her bill, law enforcement or a person's family members, along with teachers and school staff, would have the ability to petition for a Gun Violence Protective Order.
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As the temperatures drop, some Georgians are feeling more than just the winter chill.
Nearly 40% of Americans experience the seasonal mood changes known as seasonal affective disorder. The condition can leave people feeling drained, unmotivated and stuck in a cycle of low energy.
Tami Brown, board vice president of the National Alliance on Mental Illness-Georgia, explained there are factors like where you live, family history and even gender, can increase the risk of developing symptoms.
"It affects more people than we think," Brown pointed out. "Folks that are displaying low energy or fatigue, even after having a full night's sleep, they might have issues with concentrating. Sleeping habits might start to fluctuate. They might start over sleeping, under sleeping. They might be eating too much or undereating."
Brown stressed if you are struggling, seeking help from a mental health professional can often prevent symptoms from worsening. She encouraged reaching out to a primary care doctor or calling the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for support.
Brown emphasized coping with seasonal affective disorder does not have to be overwhelming. She suggested simple but effective strategies like light therapy, physical activity, maintaining a routine and prioritizing social connections. She highlighted the power of community support, and added her organization offers programs and support at no cost.
"All of our trainings, groups, information, education, they are conducted by folks that have lived experience," Brown stressed. "These individuals have a behavioral health diagnosis that they are living with and working through, and they are helping the community."
Dr. Rhonda Randall, chief medical officer and executive vice president of UnitedHealthcare Employer and Individual, said you can also find support through your health insurance provider. Many now cover virtual care.
"Those telehealth benefits generally include telebehavioral health, which can start through your employee assistance program, or through virtual coaching and digital self-help tools," Randall outlined.
She underscored some insurance plans or workplace wellness programs may also offer extra resources to help with mental health and everyday challenges.
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Minnesota is in the depths of extremely cold and occasionally snowy weather this February.
These familiar winter conditions might have some feeling down, and experts caution it's not something to ignore.
The term winter blues gets thrown around this time of year. However, researchers say for some, it can be a serious concern, noting up to 6% of the U.S. population suffers from seasonal affective disorder.
It's a form of depression punctuated by the shorter days and longer nights.
Clinical Psychologist and Director of Psychology Education at the University of Minnesota Medical School, Dr. Sabine Schmid, said this disorder can be quite debilitating.
"SAD in the winter often goes with sleeping more than usual," said Schmid, "feeling sluggish during the day and craving carbohydrates, which often leads to significant weight gain."
Trouble concentrating and social withdrawal are other symptoms. One way to combat this disorder is exposure to daylight.
When it's sunny, try to get outside for at least 30 minutes, or 60 minutes when skies are gray. You can also supplement that with at home therapy involving a light box, which mimics natural sunlight.
It's suggested you talk to a health provider about the best kinds to try.
Building a network of supportive friends and family, or checking in with a mental health professional or primary care physician are other tips.
UnitedHealthcare Employer and Individual's Chief Medical Officer Dr. Rhonda Randall said reengaging with exercise can help, too.
"Research would tell us that by now that about three quarters of us have abandoned that New Year's resolution," said Randall, "so it's not too late to get back on track and think about it as a long-term goal, right? You're on a marathon, not a sprint."
UnitedHealthcare says to stay on track with fitness goals, focus on the process rather than the outcome.
For example, if you want to shed unwanted weight, aim to walk at least 6,000 steps each day and strength train twice a week.
Along the way, that consistent physical activity might aid efforts to ward off seasonal affective disorder.
Disclosure: UnitedHealthcare contributes to our fund for reporting on Health Issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest,
click here.
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