A recent report out from the Nebraska State Department of Health notes that there’s been a 63 percent increase in depression screenings and a 93 percent increase in anxiety screenings among the state’s population. Farmers and Ranchers are also experiencing stress and the University of Nebraska Lincoln is working to help those producers. UNL Extension Educator specializing in Rural Health, Wellness and Safety Susan Harris says they’ve been engaged on this issue for the past two years.

She says they’ve been working with several other professionals to address stress in farm country and started that prior to the pandemic and last year’s statewide flooding. Harris says a key to dealing with depression and stress is having a good support system in place.

Harris says UNL extension has a course available to help people dealing with stress and how to work with others who are experiencing depression and anxiety.

Harris says they have several resources available on their website at ruralwellness.unl.edu.