Mental health and physical health are deeply connected. When our bodies face serious challenges, our minds and emotions often carry a heavy burden as well. When a diagnosis is life-threatening, the stress can feel overwhelming. In those moments, faith, friendship and community support can make all the difference.

Beth Blevins, Montana Farm Bureau’s District 1 director, owner of All Creatures Mobile Clinic and co-owner of the Rafter Y Ranch near Ronan, knows this journey firsthand.

After experiencing unexplained weight loss and other concerning symptoms, Blevins was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on May 13, 2025. Thanks to quick action by her medical team, surgery was scheduled immediately. On May 31, surgeons removed the head of her pancreas, her gallbladder, parts of her intestinal tract and 33 lymph nodes. She later endured eight rounds of chemotherapy.

Through it all, Blevins said the love and encouragement from her community carried her through. Friends brought her a horseshoe cross and a handmade quilt, stopped by to visit and offered support for medical expenses.

Her advice to others facing difficult health battles:

“Think positively, keep a sense of humor and look for the goofy moments. Even a simple uplifting text can mean so much. Don’t be secretive about your illness, and never discount the power of prayer.”

Blevins also reminds people not to forget caregivers.

“Mental health challenges often affect loved ones just as deeply. This was harder on my husband than it was on me. Stay hopeful and stay cheerful. As the Bible says, ‘A merry heart doeth good like a medicine.’”

For those struggling, resources are available. American Farm Bureau’s State of Mind program offers tools such as the Weathering the Storm Checklist, created with input from farmers, ranchers and mental health professionals to help people navigate difficult times when they may not know where to turn.

Visit FarmStateOfMind.org or mfbf.org/Rural-Resources/Rural-Mental-Health for more information.