Journal of Rural Community Psychology Volume E11 (1) Challenges and Opportunities Impacting the Mental Health of Rural Women

Rural mental health has been rated a priority by the President’s New Freedom Commission on Mental Health, and is a major concern to health centers, clinics, and state organizations associated with rural health across the nation. Good mental health is critical to personal and physical well-being, family and interpersonal relationships, and community and societal involvement. For many rural women the challenges of living in an isolated environment may negatively impact on mental health. Addressing these challenges through mental health promotion programs and affordable supports available through the Cooperative Extension System is essential to successful outcomes in mental health functioning and quality of life for women and their families living in rural communities