Losing someone to suicide is devasting in all communities. But small, rural communities are uniquely impacted and may have special ways of coping.
In this article:
Suicide in rural communities
Key points
Suicide happens more in rural areas: People who live in small, rural communities have a higher risk of suicide than people living in cities. This is because there are fewer doctors for mental health, less money to pay for care, and it can be harder to get help. People may also feel lonely, and there is more access to guns.
Small communities feel the loss deeply: When someone dies by suicide in a small town, it affects everyone because people are closely connected. But, some people may feel embarrassed to ask for help. Families who have lost a loved one might also feel blamed or judged, making their grief even harder.
Communities can help each other: Small towns have a strong sense of community. When people support each other, talk openly about mental health, and make it OK to ask for help, they can prevent more tragedies. If someone is struggling, they can call or text 988 for free, private help anytime.
Suicide in rural communities
Small, rural communities have many strengths that can contribute to positive mental health, such as a stronger sense of belonging, a slower pace of life, access to nature, and more community involvement.
But, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people who live in rural areas are at a higher risk of suicide than those who live in urban areas. Between 2000 and 2020, suicide rates almost doubled in rural areas.
Some factors that contribute to this include:
- a shortage of mental health providers in rural areas
- lower incomes and higher rates of those who are uninsured, making mental health care unaffordable
- people in rural areas may need to travel further to receive treatment. If they do not have reliable access to transportation or the time for making longer trips, this can be a barrier
- because of the stigma around mental health conditions, people in small communities may be more concerned about remaining anonymous when seeking treatment
- social isolation due to living farther away from neighbors and relatives
- higher rates of substance use in rural communities compared to urban environments
- easier access to firearms
- unreliable internet connection for telehealth appointments
- concerns like poor housing quality, unemployment, and less access to higher education. Farmers and ranchers are especially vulnerable to financial hardship because of unpredictable weather and health threats to their crops and animals.
Common emotional responses in tight-knit communities
After losing someone to suicide, it is common for people to experience shock, confusion, guilt, and anger. All of these emotions are common responses to such a sudden loss.
People in small, rural communities who have lost someone to suicide may have close-knit ties they can rely on during such a difficult time. But others may feel the pressure to keep emotions private to avoid judgment from others. They may also feel the need to “move on quickly” both to avoid this judgment and to keep working so they can maintain financial stability.
Religious institutions and other community organizations will often support those in small towns through their loss. But people may also express blame toward the family of the person who died. In small communities, harmful rumors can travel fast. People may wrongly suspect that the family was abusive or neglectful to the person who died by suicide. These rumors can make it difficult for the family to feel supported and may make grieving more challenging.
Smaller communities may also be more vulnerable to suicide contagion—where people connected to the suicide may be more at risk for suicide as well. This is why support and prevention efforts by community organizations are so important.
Grieving and coping in small communities
Despite the challenges small, rural communities face, they have a unique strength—strong social connections. When tragedy strikes, many will come together to offer their care and kindness.
Increasing awareness about mental health and encouraging open conversations can help save lives. Communities can work together to reduce stigma, support those in crisis, and create a culture where seeking help is seen as a sign of strength, not weakness.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, help is available. Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for confidential support 24/7.
MHA resources
- Rural mental health crisis
- Rural mental health resources
- Rural mental health crisis fact sheet (PDF)
- Supporting youth mental health in rural communities (Webinar)
- The rural mental health crisis (Webinar)
- Hidden struggles: Addressing mental health stigma in rural areas (Webinar)
- Providing peer support in a rural environment (Webinar)
- Resources for immediate response
- Suicide prevention
- Know the signs: Help prevent a loved one’s suicide (Blog)
- When “I want to die” changes from suicidal ideation to a reflex (Blog)
- What happens if I call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline?
- Survivors of suicide support groups
- Suicide information and support
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