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.
University of Nebraska President Dr. Jeffrey Gold joined us to share insights on building healthy habits and improving rural health in the year ahead.
January 07, 2026 02:16 PM
·
Dr. Rosslyn Biggs with the Oklahoma State University Center for Rural Veterinary Medicine shares insight into biosecurity, preparedness, and animal health concerns facing livestock producers as New World screwworm outbreaks continue in Mexico.
January 07, 2026 12:57 PM
·
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins today released the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030.
January 07, 2026 11:55 AM
FarmHER Nikki Boxler, aka The Maple Farmer, blends tradition with innovation, tapping into a bold new future for maple syrup.
January 06, 2026 04:00 PM
·
As the new year begins, both farmers and rural families are taking stock of their finances and planning ahead for 2026.
January 06, 2026 03:23 PM
·
Roger McEowen with the Washburn University School of Law joined us to provide legal insight and context on these issues facing agriculture. Today, he discusses pesticide litigation.
January 06, 2026 01:39 PM
·
