Behavioral Health

Growing Stress on the Farm

The Expanding Economic and Mental Health Disparities in Rural Missouri

The mental health crisis in rural Missouri is more challenging than in urban communities, but may be particularly severe for the agricultural community. Recent studies, media coverage and congressional action suggest the unique set of external challenges faced by farmers and ranchers are resulting in extremely adverse mental health outcomes in agricultural communities. Contributing to mental health challenges on the farm, recent extreme weather events, economic pressure and foreign trade policies have combined to produce a series of lean years for agricultural producers not seen since the farm crisis of the 1980s.

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Rates of Suicidality Following Psychiatric Hospitalizations for Children in Missouri

In 2016, hospital utilization for suicide ideation among children and adolescents in Missouri had grown nearly 900 percent during the previous decade. New research from MHA explores the relationship between insurance status and suicidality rates for children and adolescents in Missouri following an inpatient psychiatric hospitalization. Suicide among children and adolescents is an escalating public health crisis.

In May 2017, the Missouri General Assembly expanded Medicaid managed care beyond its limited service area to statewide. This resulted in 240,000 individuals — primarily women and children — shifting from traditional Medicaid to Medicaid managed care.

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Limited Access, Increasing Demand and Tragic Consequences

Mental health disorders are pervasive and often chronic conditions. Nearly 20% of all adults in the U.S. and Missouri experience a diagnosable mental health disorder each year, and nearly half will experience a mental health disorder during their lifetime. Seven in 10 Americans experience the physical and emotional symptoms of stress, and fewer than 4 in 10 believe they can adequately manage their stress. Research suggests that mental health disorders are a leading cause of mortality globally, and that significant preventive opportunities exist to limit the global burden of premature death caused by mental health-related diseases and disorders.

Missouri data suggest that a cyclical relationship exists between access to mental health services, hospital utilization for mental health disorders and adverse outcomes, such as suicide and suicidal thoughts.

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