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Disaster recovery efforts temporarily boosted health for some men, Northwestern study finds
New Northwestern University research aims to shed light on what drives inequalities among men in the aftermath of mega disasters. In such situations, men are often depicted as heroic leaders, and this study finds that many of them experience improved mental and physical health while assisting with recovery efforts. However, for some men, the boost is short lived once recovery activities are completed, leading to emotional lows and potentially increasing the risk of suicide.
Nurses at four Endeavor Health hospitals seek to join Teamsters
Nurses at Evanston Hospital and three other Endeavor Health facilities across the North Shore are officially seeking to unionize. Teamsters Local 734 filed a petition — covering more than 2,000 nurses at the Evanston, Skokie, Glenbrook and Highland Park hospitals — with the National Labor Relations Board on Thursday asking for a union election. Nurses...
Northwestern vs. Rutgers: 3 Things to Expect From the Wildcats
Northwestern looks to improve to 6-1 against Rutgers as the Wildcats aim for another explosive offensive performance while navigating key injuries.
Northwestern Receives More Concerning Injury News Ahead of Rutgers
Northwestern faces more injury concerns ahead of Rutgers, with Luke Dehnicke ruled out and Robert Fitzgerald and Brendan Flakes listed as doubtful.
Northwestern's David Braun Earns National Coach of the Year Recognition
Northwestern head coach David Braun has earned a spot on the Paul “Bear” Bryant National Coach of the Year watch list following the Wildcats' impressive 5-1 start.
Northwestern Lands Exciting Matchup in Early Bowl Projections
Northwestern is projected to face Florida in the ReliaQuest Bowl, offering an intriguing potential Big Ten vs. SEC postseason matchup as the Wildcats continue their impressive season.
Northwestern's Robert Fitzgerald Earns Multiple All-American Honors
Northwestern safety Robert Fitzgerald earns first-team midseason All-American honors from On3 and AP as the Wildcats await their defensive leader's return from injury.
MSU vs. Northwestern. How to watch Big Ten football game
The MSU Spartans host Northwestern at noon Saturday, Oct. 17. Fans are in for sunny, yet cold, weather.
Live-work-create tech village eyed for Manchester
A tech-entrepreneur turned venture capitalist is eyeing one of the largest undeveloped tracts in Manchester for a community where tech- and startup-minded people would live and work.Freedom Village would be located on 250 acres of mostly wooded land at Hackett Hill, which is located in the northwestern corner of Manchester.
Northwestern vs. Michigan State: 3 Best Bets for Week 7
Capitalize on vulnerable pass defenses and Aidan Chiles’ revenge narrative as these three expert picks target undervalued player props for a high-stakes Big Ten showdown in East Lansing.
Legacy Business Alliance honors historic Evanston businesses at 3rd annual celebration
Mingling beneath a full suit of armor and a stuffed antelope head, a who’s who of Evanston politicos and business owners gathered at the Evanston History Center on Thursday evening to toast the city’s historic small businesses. The occasion marked the Evanston Legacy Business Alliance’s third annual celebration. Ald. Clare Kelly (1st) and Carl Klein,...
Fall Sports Update: Volleyball Gets Back On Track
Women’s Volleyball (12-4) The women’s volleyball team swept both Northwestern and Washington to improve to 12-4 on the season. Penn State’s win over Washington was the team’s second against a ranked opponent. The Nittany Lions held the Huskies to just .113 hitting percentage, and Kennedy Martin rolled up a team-high 14 kills and four blocks. […]
Battery-free smart glasses monitor your health using blink energy
Your eyes blink roughly 14 to 20 times a minute, and every one of those movements is wasted energy. Engineers at Northwestern University have found a way to put that motion energy to work, powering a pair of battery-free health-sensing glasses.
Cover to Cover: ‘Hollywood, Ending’ offers a witty, compassionate critique of the entertainment industry
In his long-awaited return to fiction, John Green tackles art, love and celebrity culture with his signature empathy and humor in his new novel, “Hollywood, Ending.” Published Sept. 22, “Hollywood, Ending” is Green’s first adult novel after a career of primarily writing teen classics like “The Fault in Our Stars” and “Looking for Alaska.” The...
Endeavor Health, Rush University System announce plans to merge
Endeavor Health and Rush University System for Health announced plans to merge into a singular integrated academic health system in a Wednesday news release. The merger will create a unified network of 12 hospitals and more than 400 care sites across northern Illinois and northwest Indiana that will employ more than 46,000 people and serve...
Michigan State football's injury report vs Northwestern is dire
Michigan State football will be without linebackers Jordan Hall and Brady Pretzlaff again, along with left tackle Ben Murawski, against Northwestern.
Children’s Suicide-Related Emergency Visits Spiked Between 2016-2022
Emergency visits by children with suicide-related crises increased by 74 percent between 2016 and 2022, according to a new study.
Northwestern QB Aidan Chiles Deserves More Respect
Aidan Chiles has 1,172 passing yards, 15 total touchdowns and zero turnovers through five games. Northwestern's quarterback is proving he belongs among the Big Ten's best.
Jian Cao Elected an Asian American Academy of Science and Engineering Fellow
Cao earned the honor that recognizes Asian American researchers across numerous fields who represent exceptional achievement.
Northwestern Opens as Road Favorite Against Michigan State
Northwestern opened as a 9.5-point favorite against Michigan State, but the spread has dropped to 7.5 as the Wildcats prepare for a key Big Ten road matchup.
Northwestern Football Ranked for First Time Since 2021
Northwestern football is back in the national spotlight. The Wildcats return to the AP Top 25 for the first time since the final poll of the 2020 season, ending a wait that began in January 2021.
Vote coming up on Crystal Lake plan to buy former health club with aim to move library there
The Crystal Lake City Council will soon decide whether to purchase the shuttered Northwestern Medicine fitness center, with an eye to move the library there and transforming it into a community center.
Chip Kelly's Northwestern Offense Looks Unstoppable Again
Northwestern’s offense continues to prove it’s the real deal, totaling 436 yards and five touchdowns in a dominant win over Ball State behind Aidan Chiles and Chip Kelly.
What happens to your mental health when life changes in an instant?
Dr. Kanan Modhwadia, a psychiatrist at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital, joins us to talk about the process of grief and how it affects your mental health.
Northwestern Wildcats vs. Ball State: 3 Things to Expect
Northwestern looks to keep its offense rolling, build on the excitement at New Ryan Field and deliver another strong defensive performance against Ball State.
Chris Collins Reveals New Offensive Approach for Northwestern Basketball
Chris Collins outlined a new offensive approach at Big Ten Media Day, emphasizing ball movement and balanced scoring as Northwestern prepares for life after Nick Martinelli.
Northwestern Opens as Massive Favorite Against Ball State
Northwestern opens as a 34.5-point favorite against Ball State, with the spread climbing to 36.5 ahead of Saturday's Homecoming matchup at New Ryan Field.
Matt Campbell’s Transfer Plan Fails As Penn State Stumbles
Penn State's Matt Campbell relied on Iowa State transfers to fix the roster. The plan backfired, leaving the team winless in the Big Ten after a shocking loss to Northwestern.
Jonathan Rivnay receives Blavatnik Award for Young Scientists
Soft bioelectronics and living pharmacy devices recognized with prestigious award and $250,000 prize
Northwestern Linebacker Named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week
Northwestern captain Braydon Brus earned Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week honors after recording nine tackles, a sack and his first career interception in the Wildcats’ 34-13 win over Penn State.
Northwestern Stadium Developer: Seats Empty Because Fans Watched From Concourse
The 35,000-seat stadium was officially sold out in its first game.
Northwestern Projected to Make College Football Playoff in Early Prediction
Northwestern is projected as the No. 10 seed in an early College Football Playoff bracket after the Wildcats’ dominant 34-13 win over Penn State.
Around the Big Ten: PJ Fleck continues to row
After the second week of conference play, Big Ten teams are battling for a chance for the championship. USC, Northwestern and Minnesota all took home big wins, while Iowa, Washington, Michigan are looking to recover.
Northwestern’s Top PFF Grades Highlight Dominant Win Over Penn State
Northwestern received impressive PFF grades on both sides of the ball after its 34-13 win over Penn State, led by Joseph Himon II, Caleb Komolafe and several defensive standouts
Penn State Demolished by Northwestern: Post-Game Link Dump
Rocco Becht needs to play better if Penn State is going to turn its season around. The Nittany Lions are searching for answers after its second consecutive loss to open Big Ten play. Northwestern didn’t just beat Penn State – they piled on as they racked up over 400 rushing yards. Penn State was out-physicaled […]
Local college football highlights and scores (10-3-26)
Here’s a look at our local college football highlights and scores from October 3rd, 2026: Briar Cliff 38, Waldorf 7 Morningside 56, Dakota Wesleyan 20 Dordt 42, Midland 17 Northwestern 38, Concordia 24 Simpson 51, Buena Vista 20 Wayne State 17, Winona State 14
Penn State facing glaring issues after back-to-back losses
EVANSTON, Ill. (WHTM) — It is next to impossible to pin Penn State’s loss to Northwestern on just one thing, but here are three glaring issues following the Nittany Lions’ back-to-back losses this season. The run game only produced 48 yards, the run defense gave up 418, and head coach Matt Campbell says his program […]
Penn State's loss to Northwestern is season-altering
Penn State's loss to Northwestern ultimately puts Penn State in a steep uphill climb with two months to go in the football season.
Northwestern Running Game Explodes for 413 Yards Against Penn State
Caleb Komolafe and Joseph Himon II each surpassed 150 rushing yards as Northwestern piled up 415 yards on the ground in a dominant 34-13 win over Penn State.
Penn State's top players in brutal loss to Northwestern
Penn State players Chase Sowell and Kooper Ebel stood out during a disappointing 34-13 loss to the Wildcats.
Ryan Field’s debut delivers a major moment for Northwestern football
The Wildcats opened their long-awaited new home Friday night with a charged atmosphere, an announced sellout crowd and the type of performance David Braun believes can propel the program forward.
Yikes: Northwestern 34, Penn State 13
I could give you a play-by-play or a drive-by-drive breakdown of tonight, but what use would it be? This game was a total ass kicking, one that Penn State hasn’t felt in quite some time. And it wasn’t at the hands of Ohio State or Michigan or Oregon or USC — it was Northwestern. Penn […]
Penn State exposed? Winners and losers from Northwestern's stunning rout
Northwestern's New Ryan Field opened in style as the Wildcats crushed Penn State, exposing major concerns for Matt Campbell's team.
Moms of infants overcome barriers to postpartum care with help from patient navigators
A new Northwestern Medicine study has found patient navigators — trained guides who help patients access care and resources while working alongside the healthcare team — can ease the challenging transition to motherhood for low-income pregnant individuals, leading to better health in their postpartum period and more consistent primary care for years to come.
Penn State vs. Northwestern: Four Keys to Victory
Penn State vs. Northwestern faces off in a rare primetime matchup on Friday night. The Nittany Lions will look to bounce back after last week's 24-20 defeat to Wisconsin. The loss was ugly. The offense struggled to move the ball, and the defense collapsed in the fourth quarter. It was uncharacteristic of a Penn State …
Penn State football looks to rebound against Northwestern
(WHTM) – A loss to unranked Wisconsin has the Nittany Lions outside the AP Top 25 going into a short-week road game. The first loss of the Matt Campbell era came after the Badgers erased a 17-point Penn State lead and scored 14 unanswered points in the final four minutes of the Nittany Lions’ Homecoming […]
It’s week seven in the High School Red Zone
SPARTANBURG, SC(WSPA)-Week seven in the High School Red Zone means most area teams will start region play. Here are the key games coming up: Wren vs. Powdersville Dorman vs. Fort Mill B. Springs vs. Northwestern Rock Hill vs. Spartanburg Byrnes vs. Hillcrest Westside vs. Laurens Clinton vs. SCS We have full coverage of all of […]
Northwestern Football Earns Bowl Prediction
David Braun's team has gotten a postseason bowl prediction after its close loss to Indiana.
Northwestern Game-Planning Heavily for Penn State's Rocco Becht
They need to be ready.
Northwestern Wildcats vs. Penn State: 3 Things to Expect
Northwestern opens New Ryan Field against Penn State on Friday night. Here are three things to expect.
Making sense of ‘Sham FC’ and sports’ biggest financial scandal …ever? MoneyCall
This week's free sports business newsletter from The Athletic includes MLB dread, Northwestern stadium anticipation and two epic videos.
New Evanston Art Center exhibit explores mental health, taboos
The lobby of the Evanston Art Center is full of secrets laid bare in its latest exhibit, “Whispers in the Dark.” The exhibition, which had its opening reception Sunday, features the work of seven creators using a variety of artistic mediums. The pieces examine mental health and taboo topics, often utilizing macabre imagery. When entering...
Lookingglass Theatre has new leaders, including David Schwimmer as producing director
CHICAGO — Lookingglass Theatre has appointed David Catlin, a longtime ensemble member and a Northwestern University faculty member, and Ericka Ratcliff, most recently the literary manager at Chicago Shakespeare Theater,
34 Random Thoughts On Penn State’s Collapse Against Wisconsin
1. Ugh. 2. I love writing for BSD (it was 10 years this past June, by the way) and literally don’t have any plans to ever stop, but I am NOT looking forward to this one at all. 3. I wanted to lie to ourselves for at least two more weeks. Beat Wisconsin, beat Northwestern, […]
Everything is Working Against Penn State on Friday Against Northwestern
Penn State's football team is a wounded animal with a nasty opponent staring them right in the face.
Northwestern’s New Era Gets a Major Endorsement From David Braun
David Braun knows Friday night will mark more than just Northwestern’s first matchup with Penn State at the new Ryan Field. Before the Wildcats take the field, their head coach made a bold declaration about the new home of Northwestern football.
Northwestern Opens as Underdogs Against Penn State
Northwestern opened as 5.5-point underdogs against Penn State but has moved to 2.5 ahead of the new Ryan Field opener Friday night.
Lee Beebe Jr. saved the day against Northwestern. What’s next?
Beebe Jr. stepped up in a major way last Friday. What does his role look like moving forward given the room’s health?
Northwestern's Achilles Heel Revealed in Loss to Indiana Hoosiers
Northwestern football has a major problem on defense that needs fixing.
Curt Cignetti Talks Up Northwestern After Narrow Win Friday
Northwestern impressed the Hoosiers' national title winning coach.
Week 4 Predictions: Huskers at Spartans
Mike: The exhibition season is OVAH. Jarek: It’s the fourth week of the season and we’ve played teams who’s colors are green or had “green” in their name. Jill: Just casually dropping in (finally) in Week 4. It’s time for some B1G football!! Andy: So Northwestern – are they for real? UCLA (-1.5) at Maryland […]
Northwestern Wildcats Fall Just Short Against No. 5 Indiana
The Wildcats fought until the end against the Hoosiers in Bloomington.
Robert Fitzgerald Has Added Motivation for Northwestern Game at Indiana
Northwestern's star defensive back and team captain has extra motivation heading into Friday night.
ROUNDTABLE: Northwestern at No. 5 Indiana predictions
INU’s pulse of NUFB’s biggest test of the young season.
Deion Sanders addresses Colorado player behavior following first loss
Ringo Chiu/Shutterstock.com Deion Sanders addresses Colorado player behavior Deion Sanders addressed Colorado players after the Buffaloes lost 41–7 at Northwestern on September 19, 2026. The defeat ended Colorado’s 2–0 start and dropped the team to 2–1 ahead of Big 12 play. Sanders said he confronted players he saw laughing after the 34-point loss. His criticism…
Fall 2026 Collaboratorium Connects Midwest Researchers with Business Expertise - Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Bringing together scientific innovation and business talent from four leading Midwestern universities, the Fall 2026 Collaboratorium will feature 18 teams developing technologies in health care, energy storage, quantum computing, semiconductors, advanced materials, robotics, and more. Founded at the University of Chicago, the Collaboratorium now also features researchers from Northwestern University, Purdue University, and the University
Renovated building for social science, education and policy institutes will enhance interdisciplinary connections at Northwestern
The newly renovated facility, overlooking Deering Meadow, is a hub for teaching, research and collaboration across fields
‘Worth the wait’: Social science faculty members describe move to newly renovated 2001 Sheridan Road
For decades, much of Northwestern’s anthropology department had been working out of a two-story house at 1810 Hinman Ave., an Evanston landmark which has faced maintenance issues and is nearly as old as the university. But starting in the 2026-27 academic year, anthropology is one of multiple social science departments moving into one of the...
3 things to watch for as Indiana football hosts Northwestern
Indiana starts Big Ten play on Friday night with a home game against the 2-0 Northwestern Wildcats.
Miami Central at Northwestern rivalry football game has big stakes
USA TODAY Florida reporters Jon Santucci and Nick Wilson look at the key football games in Week 6 that have Open Division implications.
Northwestern Opens as 23.5-Point Underdog Against No. 5 Indiana
Northwestern enters its first Big Ten game 2-0 but opens as a 23.5-point underdog against No. 5 Indiana, setting up the Wildcats’ biggest test of the 2026 season.
Griffin Wilde’s 1,000-Yard Mark Puts Him in Northwestern History
Griffin Wilde has emerged as a reliable target for Aidan Chiles, reaching 1,000 receiving yards at Northwestern in just 15 games while continuing his strong start to the 2026 season.
Northwestern Football Receives Votes in Coaches Poll
Coach David Braun's team was given votes ahead of its big game at Indiana.
Colorado football report card after blowout loss to Northwestern
Colorado committed four turnovers and struggled defensively in a 41-7 loss to Northwestern. Here are the Buffaloes' Week 3 grades by position.
Aidan Chiles and Chip Kelly’s Duo Is Working for Northwestern
Aidan Chiles and Chip Kelly have found early success at Northwestern, with the Wildcats scoring 75 points and surpassing 400 yards in each of their first two games.
Deion Sanders wasn't happy that some players were laughing after blowout loss
Saturday night's blowout loss to Northwestern had some Colorado players not behaving like they were in a "fucking library."
Deion Sanders unhappy with Colorado players laughing after Northwestern loss
Deion Sanders confronts Colorado Buffaloes players.
Northwestern vs. Colorado: How to Watch, Odds and Injury Report
Here's everything you need to know before the Northwestern Wildcats take on the Colorado Buffaloes in their final game at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium
Week 3 Game Predictions: Northwestern Wildcats vs. Colorado Buffaloes
The predictions are in for Northwestern vs. Colorado as the Wildcats return from their bye week for a highly anticipated Week 3 matchup.
Northwestern Defense Impresses Colorado Coach Ahead of Saturday Clash
Northwestern football's Tim McGarigle coached defense impressed a Colorado assistant in the film room.
Scientists find that “perfect” systems may be surprisingly fragile
Complex systems may work better when their parts are not perfectly alike. Northwestern physicists found that carefully balanced variation, or “disorder,” can make networks such as power grids, ecosystems, neurons, and materials more stable. Even random differences sometimes improved stability compared with completely uniform systems. The discovery could help researchers design more resilient technologies and explain why natural systems are so rarely perfectly uniform.
Three keys for Northwestern football vs. Colorado
The Wildcats look to stop the Buff Stampede.
Three-Star Class of 2028 Center Announces Northwestern Hoops Offer
Chris Collins' program has extended an offer to a seven-footer with upside potential.
Deion Sanders refuses to settle for mediocre with Colorado football
Despite an undefeated start, Coach Prime demands perfection before Big 12 play while balancing a road test against Northwestern and a bold push for federal legislative reform.
Former Northwestern Guard Joins Seattle Seahawks Practice Squad
Former Northwestern guard Evan Beerntsen has another NFL opportunity after signing with the Seattle Seahawks' practice squad following his seventh-round selection by the Ravens.
As AI debate flares, Melania Trump will tour a North Carolina school to see technology at work
First lady Melania Trump is set to visit northwestern North Carolina to talk to elementary school students, teachers and staff about how they’re using technology in the classroom
Seattle Seahawks Sign Rookie They Wanted During 2026 NFL Draft
The Seattle Seahawks missed out on Evan Beerntsen by two picks during the 2026 NFL Draft.Nearly five months later, they finally got him.Seattle signed Beerntsen to its practice squad Monday, per NFL insider Aaron Wilson, adding a rookie offensive lineman the organization openly wanted coming out of Northwestern. Practice squad signings: #Ravens Lardarius Webb Jr.,#Saints […] The post Seattle Seahawks Sign Rookie They Wanted During 2026 NFL Draft appeared first on HEAVY.
How to Watch Northwestern Alumni in NFL Week 1
Here's everything you need to know before the former Northwestern Wildcats play in Week 1 of the NFL regular season.
Jacks look to continue playing ‘fresh’ in Week 3
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — SDSU fell to 1-1 on the season after a 34-18 loss at Northwestern over the weekend. The Jacks struggled to convert in the red zone but otherwise hung around with the Wildcats for the majority of the night, only trailing by two with eight minutes to go in the fourth. […]
New-to-science Amazon frog stands out for its slow ‘lazy’ song
Scientists recently described a new species of a tiny brown frog found in the Amazonian floodplain forests of Ecuador and northwestern Brazil. It looks nearly identical to related species but its slow, widely spaced out call sets it apart, researchers note in a study. “I’ve had to get into arguments because people said the frog […]
Jackrabbits fueled by missed opportunities
BROOKINGS, S.D. (KELO) — The SDSU Jackrabbits marched into Evanston, Illinois this past weekend to take on Northwestern, and despite many trips inside Wildcat territory the big play never came. The Jacks made seven total trips inside the Northwestern 20-yard line but only came away with a touchdown one time. Head Coach Dan Jackson says […]
Aidan Chiles Details First Game Working With Chip Kelly
Aidan Chiles and Chip Kelly showed flashes of an exciting connection in Northwestern’s season opener, with the quarterback praising Kelly’s playcalling and explaining how the duo worked together in the Wildcats’ 34-18 win.
3 Steps to Support Mental Health for Rural Youth
(Feature Impact) Young people face a growing number of pressures, including academic expectations, social responsibilities, complex family situations and uncertainty about their own futures. Mental health support is important for all – but in many rural areas, those pressures are even greater.According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the suicide rate for rural youth ages 15-19 is 74% higher than their urban counterparts. Barriers like limited insurance coverage, unreliable internet for telehealth, scarce providers, long drive times and lack of public transportation make it harder to get mental healthcare when it’s needed. Plus, asking for help can feel like opening oneself up to judgment and stigmatization.That’s why Rural Minds, the only nonprofit focused on mental health for rural communities, created the Rural Youth Mental Wellness pilot program supported by Boehringer Ingelheim. It was developed by an advisory committee made up of rural youth to provide their peers with practical, free, accessible mental health resources. Incorporating feedback on the pilot, the updated program sponsored by the Sompo Foundation is now launching its national rollout.“A young person’s ZIP code should never determine whether they can access meaningful mental health support where and when they need it,” said Jessica L. Schleider, Ph.D., director, Lab for Scalable Mental Health, Northwestern University. “Our lab is thrilled to partner with Rural Minds as they champion evidence-based, anonymous, freely available support tools designed to overcome barriers to help-seeking faced by rural youth across the country.”If the rural mental health crisis affects you or a loved one, consider these ways to help.Break the Stigma Surrounding Mental HealthIn communities where self-reliance is valued, asking for help can sometimes be viewed as a sign of weakness. Young people who feel unheard and unsupported often struggle with being vulnerable, so they continue carrying their increasingly heavy burdens alone.Parents, educators, healthcare providers, community leaders and peers can work to change that culture by normalizing mental health conversations. This includes helping teenagers feel seen and accepted by educating them on mental health issues and coping strategies, listening to their experiences without judgment, sharing your own stories and reminding them it’s courageous to seek support.Consider Single-Session InterventionsThe first step is always the hardest when it comes to seeking mental health support, and not every struggling young person is ready or able to see a therapist. With access to free, confidential, self-guided materials to begin building mental wellness skills, the first step may be less scary.Single-Session Interventions (SSIs) are brief, structured online courses designed to teach youth practical skills for handling stress, low mood, self-image and more. The Rural Youth Mental Wellness Program offers SSIs in partnership with Project YES (Youth Empowerment and Support), a free digital resource developed with Northwestern University’s Lab for Scalable Mental Health at the Feinberg School of Medicine.Anonymous access to SSIs through the partnership provides strategies for:Improving moodRethinking body imageReframing negative thoughtsKnowing your power to changeTaking steps toward goalsProtecting LGBTQ+ prideHandling self-harm urgesStaying safe amid dark thoughtsEach SSI typically takes 5-10 minutes. Although SSIs are not a replacement for therapy, they provide a research-backed source of support for young people experiencing bouts of stress or low-to-moderate distress.Know When to Seek Professional HelpSelf-guided resources and supportive conversations are a valuable starting point, but sometimes young people need qualified professional help. Look for symptoms like worsening mood or behavior, substance use, self-harm or difficulty managing everyday tasks, and take teens seriously when they express dark feelings.Doctors and counselors can provide personalized support for youth in crisis, and the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline offers free, confidential 24/7 support for mental health by dialing 9-8-8.“I grew up in a small town where mental health was almost taboo,” said committee member Asheton Medlin. “Being part of the committee that built this program let me help make sure rural youth today have the support I didn’t. I’m excited to help bring these resources to them because this generation deserves the chance to grow up and change the world.”Find more information at RuralMinds.org.Photos courtesy of Shutterstock googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('yup-rectangle-one'); });
3 Steps to Support Mental Health for Rural Youth
(Feature Impact) Young people face a growing number of pressures, including academic expectations, social responsibilities, complex family situations and uncertainty about their own futures. Mental health support is important for all – but in many rural areas, those pressures are even greater.According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the suicide rate for rural youth ages 15-19 is 74% higher than their urban counterparts. Barriers like limited insurance coverage, unreliable internet for telehealth, scarce providers, long drive times and lack of public transportation make it harder to get mental healthcare when it’s needed. Plus, asking for help can feel like opening oneself up to judgment and stigmatization.That’s why Rural Minds, the only nonprofit focused on mental health for rural communities, created the Rural Youth Mental Wellness pilot program supported by Boehringer Ingelheim. It was developed by an advisory committee made up of rural youth to provide their peers with practical, free, accessible mental health resources. Incorporating feedback on the pilot, the updated program sponsored by the Sompo Foundation is now launching its national rollout.“A young person’s ZIP code should never determine whether they can access meaningful mental health support where and when they need it,” said Jessica L. Schleider, Ph.D., director, Lab for Scalable Mental Health, Northwestern University. “Our lab is thrilled to partner with Rural Minds as they champion evidence-based, anonymous, freely available support tools designed to overcome barriers to help-seeking faced by rural youth across the country.”If the rural mental health crisis affects you or a loved one, consider these ways to help.Break the Stigma Surrounding Mental HealthIn communities where self-reliance is valued, asking for help can sometimes be viewed as a sign of weakness. Young people who feel unheard and unsupported often struggle with being vulnerable, so they continue carrying their increasingly heavy burdens alone.Parents, educators, healthcare providers, community leaders and peers can work to change that culture by normalizing mental health conversations. This includes helping teenagers feel seen and accepted by educating them on mental health issues and coping strategies, listening to their experiences without judgment, sharing your own stories and reminding them it’s courageous to seek support.Consider Single-Session InterventionsThe first step is always the hardest when it comes to seeking mental health support, and not every struggling young person is ready or able to see a therapist. With access to free, confidential, self-guided materials to begin building mental wellness skills, the first step may be less scary.#placement_1042740_0_i{width:100%;max-width:550px;margin:0 auto;}var rnd = window.rnd || Math.floor(Math.random()*10e6);var pid1042740 = window.pid1042740 || rnd;var plc1042740 = window.plc1042740 || 0;var abkw = window.abkw || '';var absrc = 'https://ads.empowerlocal.co/adserve/;ID=181918;size=0x0;setID=1042740;type=js;sw='+screen.width+';sh='+screen.height+';spr='+window.devicePixelRatio+';kw='+abkw+';pid='+pid1042740+';place='+(plc1042740++)+';rnd='+rnd+';click=CLICK_MACRO_PLACEHOLDER';var _absrc = absrc.split("type=js"); absrc = _absrc[0] + 'type=js;referrer=' + encodeURIComponent(document.location.href) + _absrc[1];document.write('');Single-Session Interventions (SSIs) are brief, structured online courses designed to teach youth practical skills for handling stress, low mood, self-image and more. The Rural Youth Mental Wellness Program offers SSIs in partnership with Project YES (Youth Empowerment and Support), a free digital resource developed with Northwestern University’s Lab for Scalable Mental Health at the Feinberg School of Medicine.Anonymous access to SSIs through the partnership provides strategies for:Improving moodRethinking body imageReframing negative thoughtsKnowing your power to changeTaking steps toward goalsProtecting LGBTQ+ prideHandling self-harm urgesStaying safe amid dark thoughtsEach SSI typically takes 5-10 minutes. Although SSIs are not a replacement for therapy, they provide a research-backed source of support for young people experiencing bouts of stress or low-to-moderate distress.Know When to Seek Professional HelpSelf-guided resources and supportive conversations are a valuable starting point, but sometimes young people need qualified professional help. Look for symptoms like worsening mood or behavior, substance use, self-harm or difficulty managing everyday tasks, and take teens seriously when they express dark feelings.Doctors and counselors can provide personalized support for youth in crisis, and the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline offers free, confidential 24/7 support for mental health by dialing 9-8-8.“I grew up in a small town where mental health was almost taboo,” said committee member Asheton Medlin. “Being part of the committee that built this program let me help make sure rural youth today have the support I didn’t. I’m excited to help bring these resources to them because this generation deserves the chance to grow up and change the world.”Find more information at RuralMinds.org.Photos courtesy of Shutterstock