The American Farm Bureau Federation recently concluded a study on COVID's impacts on mental wellness in rural America and a Piatt County non-profit is analyzing its results.

The Piatt County Mental Health Center's Executive Director Tony Kirkman calls the report fascinating as it breaks down the study, which surveyed the farming community specifically.

Kirkman says everyone is already very stressed with little room for more and COVID only exasperated the existing stress. He says the restrictions from COVID caused a lot of stress on people.

A recent study also showed an increase in binge drinking by adults over 30. Kirkman says that is not going to help anyone's situation. He hopes people will try to focus on the positive things that COVID has brought to bear.

Kirkman encourages people to find positive outlets in their lives. He says wallowing in the constant bombardment of negativity is not good for our mental health either.