May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and an estimated one in two American adults report experiencing significant loneliness, and in rural communities, that number may be even higher.
With fewer people spread across greater distances, social connection can be harder to maintain, and the health risks are real. Nikki Shaffer, the Senior Director of Occupational Health and Wellness at Pfizer says loneliness can have serious effects on health, both mental and physical.
“Nowadays, it’s increasingly easy for many to stay within their own home. A lack of social connectivity is associated with an increased risk of anxiety, depression, and dementia. But the impact can also be physical: not getting enough social connection can increase the risk of premature death by as much as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day or drinking six alcoholic drinks daily. Pfizer is pleased to be partnering with Rural Minds, a nonprofit with the vision of a rural America where there’s no more stigma, silence or suffering around mental health.”
Shaffer encourages individuals to take small steps toward improving connection and community.
“Find activities and connections that you enjoy. Maybe take a class to learn something new, such as those offered at Grange Halls in rural areas across the US. Take the time to reach out to friends and family. Look for opportunities to help others, like volunteering – it can feel good to give back. Consider getting a pet if you’re able to care for one. Stay physically active. Take the initiative to introduce yourself to others in your community – you never know what connections you might build.”
For more tips on reducing loneliness and isolation, click HERE.
Olivia Bury, AgriSafe Network Behavioral Health Coordinator, shares about AgriSafe Network’s resources created to support farmers and rural Americans.
November 24, 2025 01:04 PM
·
UMN Extension’s Emily Krekelberg outlines today’s top farm stressors, key signs of mental health distress in rural communities, and the resources available for support.
November 17, 2025 03:12 PM
·
Dr. Jeffrey Gold discusses ways families can approach changes in aging loved ones over the holiday season and manage care with compassion and empathy.
November 03, 2025 01:24 PM
·
Texas A&M livestock economist Dr. David Anderson joins Tony St. James to discuss the geopolitical tensions and U.S.-Mexico border closure that are leading to sharp swings in the cattle market.
October 31, 2025 12:50 PM
·
Dr. Jeffrey Gold, President of the University of Nebraska, joined RFD-TV to discuss how seasonal stress and mental health concerns can make it more challenging to get a restful night’s sleep
October 29, 2025 03:22 PM
·
For aging operators and their rural neighbors, staying socially engaged is a practical strategy to preserve decision-making capacity and farm vitality.
October 24, 2025 01:37 PM
·
Dr. Jeffrey Gold, President of the University of Nebraska, notes that many heart-related conditions can be prevented through lifestyle changes.
October 15, 2025 04:44 PM
·
FarmHER Annaliese Wegner joined us to dish about her episode of Dirt Diaries, talk about her own podcast, and other exciting moments ahead for Ag’s Most Okayest Farm Girls.
October 09, 2025 12:25 PM
·
Treat financial stress as a health risk—know the warning signs, normalize conversations, and connect farm families to local and national support early.
October 07, 2025 11:29 AM
·
