Rural Health Matters: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and Mental Health Concerns in Winter

University of Nebraska President Dr. Jeffrey Gold joined us to discuss seasonal affective disorder, winter mental health, and practical strategies for maintaining well-being in rural communities.

LINCOLN, NEB. (RFD NEWS) — As winter continues, many rural Americans face challenges to their mental health, with shorter days, early sunsets, and prolonged cold and gray weather affecting daily life. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and other winter-related mental health concerns are top of mind for health experts as the season progresses.

Dr. Jeffrey Gold, President of the University of Nebraska, joined us on Wednesday’s Rural Health Matters to share insights on coping with winter mental health challenges.

In his interview with RFD NEWS, Dr. Gold discussed why this time of year can weigh heavily on mental well-being, particularly in rural communities where outdoor work and limited daylight add to seasonal strain. He shared practical steps people can take to support their mental health during the darker months and offered guidance for recognizing when professional help may be needed.

Dr. Gold also provided final words of encouragement for viewers, emphasizing strategies to stay proactive and maintain emotional well-being as winter continues.

Related Stories
National FFA President Trey Myers joins Monday’s FFA Today to share his hopes and goals for the 2025-2026 year as he steps into this opportunity to lead and serve the next generation of agriculture.
Despite the need for swift action, many ag lawmakers and industry groups argue that farm aid alone will likely not be sufficient to help farmers without improved trade relations with China.
SDRP Stage 2 now helps producers recover shallow, uninsured losses from major 2023–2024 disasters, with streamlined sign-ups open through April 30.
Former Market Day Report anchor Janet Adkison was inducted into the National Association of Farm Broadcasting Hall of Fame, recognizing over 20 years of service sharing stories that impact Rural America.
Jake Charleston, with Specialty Risk Insurance, joins us now for an industry update and advice for cattle producers as they consider options for managing the risks of a murky market.
The National Milk Producers Federation will launch a new advocacy campaign to secure a final vote, urging House lawmakers to approve the bill as soon as they return from the Thanksgiving recess.
AFBF Vice President of Public Policy and Economic Analysis, Dr. John Newton, explains the factors contributing to the growing financial strain in the ag sector and the urgent need for swift economic support.
A regional snapshot of harvest pace, crop conditions, logistics, and livestock economics across U.S. agriculture, prepared by RFD-TV Markets Specialist Tony St. James, for the week of Monday, November 24, 2025.
Olivia Bury, AgriSafe Network Behavioral Health Coordinator, shares about AgriSafe Network’s resources created to support farmers and rural Americans.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD-TV and The Cowboy Channel. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, adding a decade of experience in the digital side of broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

The report shows that, despite production challenges, dairy farmers are producing more milk with fewer resources per gallon across the industry.
Smaller U.S. production and steady global demand could provide better pricing opportunities in 2026.
More than 1,100 residents and farmers have signed a letter urging Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins to step in, saying the proposal threatens irrigation supplies and long-term farm viability in the region.
Reviewing risk management now can help dairy and livestock producers enter 2026 with clearer margins and fewer surprises.
Canada’s new voluntary Grocery Sector Code of Conduct will take effect on Jan. 1, a goodwill effort to promote fairness and transparency between retailers and support farms that sell directly to stores.
With record grain harvests and rising global ethanol demand, leaders across the ag and energy sectors are pushing for year-round E15 sales to mitigate the strain on grain trade.
More Shows
Music & Entertainment
RFD-TV’s Music Square Sessions is an intimate writers’ round where we invite today’s hottest & up-and-coming musical acts to perform some of their favorite songs and share the stories behind them.

Music Square Sessions is right in the center of where all the magic happens: Nashville’s Music Row in the heart of Music City, USA!
Discover financial insights for rural living with RFD-TV’s Rural Money where you can access tips, strategies, and stories to help you financially thrive in the countryside.
The Commodity Classic is America’s largest farmer-led, farmer-focused agricultural and educational event, showcasing the latest in ag tech.
AARP works to connect Americans from the big city to Rural America. The organization partners with RFD-TV to present AARP Live Minutes each Thursday on the Market Day Report.
Stay prepared with RFD-TV Weather’s array of Weather Resources created to help you navigate and understand weather conditions across rural America.
Explore uplifting tales, positive vibes, and celebrate the brighter side of life with this heartwarming selection of RFD-TV Lifestyle’s Feel-Good Stories.
RFD-TV Business keeps you informed with the latest agricultural market trends, insights, and analysis to navigate the agribusiness world with precision.
Explore insights, policies, and legislation shaping the landscape for rural communities with RFD-TV’s Washington Policy coverage.
Navigate the agricultural landscape with RFDTV’s USDA coverage. Stay informed on policies, programs, and insights shaping the future of farming. Explore now!