Suicide among Specific Rural Populations

There are particular groups of rural residents who face additional constraints to preventive services that increase their risk of suicide. These populations include veterans, tribal communities, and farm workers. By understanding the unique challenges these groups face, rural communities and partners can tailor programs to effectively prevent suicide.

Veterans

Rural veterans are more likely than urban veterans to die by suicide. One reason is that facilities run by the main healthcare provider for veterans, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), are typically located near metropolitan areas, requiring veterans to travel significant distances. There are also few resources available specifically for rural veterans with mental health concerns or suicidal thoughts. One review found resources for suicide prevention specific to veterans and one for rural communities, but none specific to rural veterans.

In 2018, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) launched a Governor's Challenge to Prevent Suicide among Service Members, Veterans, and their Families with the goal of engaging states in veteran suicide prevention efforts. Several of the first states to participate, including Kansas and Montana, have large populations in rural areas.

Tribal Communities

Tribal communities have a higher rate of suicide than the general U.S. public and are more likely to live in rural areas. Higher suicide rates among tribal people are linked with higher rates of alcohol and drug use, higher rates of poverty, and other social factors. Additionally, while there is a shortage of mental health providers in many rural areas, there are even fewer mental health providers who are tribal. This may prevent the tribal community from seeking mental health services.

Farmers

Farmers face elevated rates of suicide compared with the general public. Contributing factors include financial uncertainty, physical demands, poor mental health, and lack of social support. These stressors may result in suicidal thoughts or attempts. The stigma that exists around mental health may be even stronger in farming communities. Farming culture often enforces social norms that may make people less likely to reach out for social support from friends or family. For more information, see the RHIhub topic guide Rural Response to Farmer Mental Health and Suicide Prevention.

Resources to Learn More

Together with Veterans
Website
Offers resources supporting a participatory approach to implement a community-based and evidence-based suicide prevention program for rural veterans and their families.
Organization(s): U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs