Dr. Val Farmer
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Rural Mental Health & Family Relationships
  1. Val Farmer 35 Years of Counseling
  2. Rural Topics
  3. IV. Rural Life

5. Rural Mental Health Issues

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    Articles

    Readers Respond On Rural Mental Health Concerns (October 1998)

    In a previous column outlining mental health issues in rural communities, I requested comments from readers on what they thought I left out of my discussion. I received the following replies.

    "One stress point is lack of alternatives in choice-making. For instance, there are fewer persons from whom to choose friends. There are fewer choices in purchase options - only one grocery store, one clothing store, and so on. There are fewer choices in churches.

    "That ...

    Facing The Old Drinking Buddies: The Last Hurdle (June 1996)

    Jake is an alcoholic. He finally admitted his problem and went for treatment. Now the time is approaching when he will be going back to his home in a small rural community. The treatment staff has encouraged Jake to drop his drinking crowd and t

    Is Lake Wobegon A Dysfunctional Community? (January 2002)
    This article applies some of the principles that help create dysfunctional families to rural communities. Garrison Keillor's "Lake Wobegon Days" is a model and several quotes from his book highlight dysfunctional attitudes and behaviors that may be present in small rural communities.
    Why Are Rural Mental Health Problems Different? (February 2002)
    This article looks at some of the main stressors that rural residents experience including those of small towns and in the countryside. This is an overview of common issues faced in a subculturally distinct environment.
    Going For Counseling Is Both Manly And Courageous (March 2003)
    This article points out how going for counseling is a courageous act that requires a recognition of the importance of solving rahter than avoiding problems. Men who seek out counseling and gain information about difficult interpersonal problems show they are willing to learn and apply new concepts into their lives.
    Rural Abuse Victims Face Barriers (July 2003)
    This article describes the dilemma rural women face in getting help in leaving an abusive relationship. Many of the barriers, both geographic and cultural, are delineated to highlight the actions a woman has to take to protect herself and her family.
    The Town Bar And The Wayward Wife (August 2003)
    The column describes how jealousy gets started in a marriage based on personal insecurity and personality differences when it comes to socializing. The conflict between the couple escalates as the issues of control and jealousy takes a toll on the marriage.
    Tired? Tips For Getting A Good Night's Sleep (October 2005)
    This article summarizes sound practices for straightening out sleep difficulties.
    Getting Straight In Rural Communities (March 2006)
    this article highlights the social pressures in rural communities that make 12 Step work more difficult. The challenges are there but recovery is also attainable. This article describes some of the barriers to recovery from addictions in rural communities.
    Dr. Farmer's Observations On Rural Mental Health  (April 2007)
    The article contains a summary of Dr. Farmer's experiences in the field of rural mental health over the past thirty years.