Rural mental health has always been a significant concern, especially among young people who are Not in Employment, Education, or Training (NEETs). Both young people living in cities and villages have mental health problems, especially in the post-pandemic period, as the pandemic caused an even faster increase in mental illness. These individuals face unique challenges, such as limited access to healthcare services and social support networks, which can exacerbate their mental health issues.
NEETs are young people who are neither employed nor enrolled in any form of education or training. In rural areas, this group often faces additional challenges such as lack of job opportunities and limited access to education and training facilities. These factors can lead to feelings of hopelessness, isolation, and low self-esteem, all of which can contribute to poor mental health outcomes. There are many impediments to mental health care and treatment in rural areas.
A report by the Institute of Science and Labor and The Prince’s Trust found that the percentage of young people out of work reporting a mental health problem rose from 11% in 2011 to nearly three times by 2022 [1]. This growth is also evident among young people in rural areas. In addition, nearly half of the jobless youth (NEETs) said they had additional mental health problems or caregiving responsibilities because of the Covid-19 pandemic, which meant they were out of work [2]. So we can see that the problem of mental disorders among NEETs in rural areas is very large.
One significant factor that contributes to poor mental health among NEETs in rural areas is social isolation. Rural areas often have a small population, and young people may feel isolated and disconnected from their peers. This can lead to feelings of loneliness, which can contribute to depression and anxiety.
Moreover, limited access to mental health services in rural areas is a significant challenge for NEETs. In many cases, the nearest mental health services may be miles away, and transport can be expensive or unavailable. This lack of access can prevent NEETs from seeking help, exacerbating their mental health issues and creating a sense of hopelessness and despair.
Another significant factor that contributes to poor mental health among NEETs in rural areas is poverty. Rural areas often have lower incomes and fewer job opportunities, which can lead to financial stress and hardship. Poverty can also make it challenging to access healthy food, healthcare, and other essential resources, which can contribute to poor physical and mental health outcomes.
Addressing the mental health needs of NEETs in rural areas requires a comprehensive approach. Improving access to mental health services is crucial, and this can be achieved through a range of strategies, including telemedicine, mobile clinics, and community outreach programs.
Furthermore, there is a need to address the broader social and economic factors that contribute to poor mental health outcomes among NEETs in rural areas. This includes investing in education and training programs, creating job opportunities, and providing social support networks for young people.
It is therefore important to address the imbalance and inequality between the provision of mental health services in rural versus urban areas.
Strategies to facilitate the transition from school to work, and those specifically focused on young NEETs, must address the multiple reasons for their exclusion, with a particular focus on the mental health needs of those who are NEET because they don’t know what to do with their lives. Given that people with mental health disorders in rural areas are significantly more likely to commit suicide than their urban counterparts, it is crucial to raise awareness of mental health issues in rural communities, make increased and improved mental health care available, and reduce the stigma around these issues. It may also be worth thinking about preparing and implementing training among rural health care providers on the provision of primary care. This will help rural educators, volunteers, employers better understand the prevalence of mental health disorders, be able to identify them and reach out to those affected.
In the StayOn project, implemented by 7 European organizations and funded by the Norwegian Funds, we support NEETs not only to improve their professional situation in the labor market, but also try to improve their mental health. This is done through individual and group training, engaging NEETs to work with professional coaches and other NEETs. Thanks to this, NEETs make friends, surround themselves with valuable people, see others who also have similar problems and together try to solve them, supporting each other mentally.
More about the project: StayOn | A more inclusive, active and creative world (stay-on.eu)
In conclusion, poor mental health outcomes among NEETs in rural areas are a significant public health concern. Addressing this issue requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the broader social and economic factors that contribute to poor mental health outcomes, as well as improving access to mental health services. By doing so, we can support the mental health and well-being of NEETs in rural areas and help them to lead happy, healthy, and productive lives.
Bibliography
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- Emerging adults not in education, employment or training (NEET): socio-demographic characteristics, mental health and reasons for being NEET Emerging adults not in education, employment or training (NEET): socio-demographic characteristics, mental health and reasons for being NEET | BMC Public Health | Full Text (biomedcentral.com)[2.03.2023]
- Pandemia a zdrowie psychiczne dzieci i młodzieży Pandemia a zdrowie psychiczne dzieci i młodzieży – Witryna Wiejska [28.02.2023]
- Zdrowie psychiczne Zdrowie psychiczne | Avigon [27.02.2023]
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- The mental health of young people who are not in education, employment, or training: a systematic review and meta-analysis The mental health of young people who are not in education, employment, or training: a systematic review and meta-analysis – PMC (nih.gov) [1.03.2023]
- MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS PREVENT NEET YOUNG PEOPLE FROM FINDING WORK, STUDY SHOWS Mental health problems prevent NEET young people from finding work, study shows | CYP Now [2.03.2023]
- Rurality as a Risk Factor for Attempted Suicide and Death by Suicide in Ontario, Canadahttps://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/07067437211053300 [3.03.2023]
Kamila Wodka
Natalia Truszkowska
Polish Farm Advisory and Training Centre
StayOn project
www.stay-on.eu
IG: @stayon_project
FB: @stayonproject21
[1] Mental health problems prevent NEET young people from finding work, study shows | CYP Now
[2] Mental health problems prevent NEET young people from finding work, study shows | CYP Now
