Rural Mental Health: Neither Romanticism Nor Despair

Abstract

This paper explores the relationship between rural places and mental health. It begins with a definition of mental health and an outline of the data that have led to the current concern with promoting positive mental health. We then consider aspects of rural life and place that contribute to positive mental health or increase the likelihood of mental health problems. Issues identified include environment, place, gender identity, violence and dispossession and the influence of the effects of structural changes in rural communities. The paper concludes with a discussion of some of the determinants of resilience in rural places, including social connectedness, valuing diversity and economic participation.

Natural disasters, climate change and mental health considerations for rural Australia

“…Perceived isolation, reduced family and social support, fewer services and amenities, and a generally 'harsher' physical and social environment are part of everyday living for many rural dwellers -a reality somewhat removed from the myth of rural living as 'all health-enhancing'. 37 High on the list of worries and concerns for those living in more rural and/or remote locations are natural disasters, which can be particularly destructive to livelihoods as well as physical and mental wellbeing. However, it is doubtful that the real costs and impacts of continuing natural disaster threat, as well as the cumulative impacts of direct experience over time, have been adequately assessed and factored into regional health and planning assessments and statistics.…”

Residential Community Identification and Psychological Well-Being

“…Indeed, several scholars have theorized about the role of place identity processes in mental health with select populations, such as children (Spencer & Woolley, 2000;Tabin, 1992) and rural residents (Wainer & Chesters, 2000), but Fullilove (1996) provided the most comprehensive analysis.…”

“…To reiterate, several scholars have theorized about the role of place identification or place attachment in mental health with specific populations, such as children (Proshansky & Fabian, 1987;Spencer & Woolley, 2000;Tabin, 1992) and rural residents (Wainer & Chesters, 2000), but Fullilove (1996) has provided the most comprehensive conceptual analysis yet. Fullilove's audience was fellow psychiatrists when she argued -along similar lines to those of Proshansky et al (1983) and Brown and Perkins (1992) -that "displacement" or "dislocation" can and does have serious consequences for mental health.…”

Remoteness and issues in mental health care: experience from rural Australia

“…Alcohol use and drugs are major concerns. There is also a high level of gun ownership in rural areas (Wainer & Chesters, 2000) which may contribute to the lethality of suicide attempts in rural Australia.…”