According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, three in five rural adults (61%) say the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted mental health in rural communities a lot or some. Unfortunately, there is a stigma around mental health that can often prohibit people from seeking help. Half of rural adults (48%) think people in their local community attach at least a fair amount of stigma to mental health issues.

The Madison County Horticulture Agent worked with the Madison County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee to create a postcard that discussed signs and symptoms of depression. The card was mailed to members in their county (1024 homes). The goal was to help start a conversation about what depression looks like as well as how to help themselves or others that may be suffering.

The postcard included the following information:

What can depression look like?

1. Can’t sleep or sleep to much  
2. Can’t eat or eat too much
3. Irritable or angry all the time
4. Relationship problems
5. Poor concentration
6. Feel hopeless or down
7. Cry a lot or feel like crying
8. Withdrawing from people and activities
9. Poor hygiene
10. Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy

Do you recognize the signs and symptoms in yourself or someone you love? If so, what can you do?

Yourself

1. Talk to a loved one, friends, clergy or a medical provider about how you feel
2. Reach out to a mental health counselor

Someone You Know

1. Listen to them without judgement and try to be understanding
2. Take their feelings seriously
3. Encourage them to seek help
4. Follow up with them

Don’t feel ashamed or embarrassed by depression. Getting help is not a sign of weakness.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

suicidepreventionlifeline.org (live chat available)

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Feedback has been positive with many saying they were not previously aware of the information.

This postcard won Kentucky Farm Bureau Health and Safety Award for District 8.