Farm life is far from simple, and this especially holds true for dairy farms that operate 24/7, 365 days a year. No days off that can take a toll on a farmer. The rate of suicide among farmers is three and a half times higher than among the general population, according to the National Rural Health Association.
Karen Endres with the Wisconsin Farm Center talked about farming, stress and mental health at a recent Vita Plus event in Mount Horeb, Wis. Endres shared the major stresses on dairy farms including:
- Time pressure
- Management of the farm
- Unpredictable income
- Isolation
- Farm succession and interpersonal conflicts
- Financial management
- Pressure to expand and improve
- Dairy Unpredictability
- Life
“That unpredictable income and isolation are real challenges,” she says. “We’re out in the rural community, then COVID hits and isolation became more obvious.”
Endres said farmers have a difficult time talking about their struggles and making mental health a priority. She also said locating a counselor can be tricky and costly.
“Getting a counselor appointment can be really, really tough,” she said, stating that some don’t want to have their pickup truck parked in front of a counselor’s office being of the stigma.
“Keep encouraging producers to seek help,” she told the crowd, sharing that 70% of farmers and farmworkers believe it is embarrassing to seek mental health treatment.
She also said that 2 in 5 farmers say it is difficult to access a therapist or counselor in their local community.
Help is Available
The National Focus USDA Farm Ranch Stress Assistance Network established a network that connects individuals who are engaged in farming, ranching and other agricultural-related occupations to stress assistance programs.
The Wisconsin Farm Center offers a Farmer Wellness program that includes:
- 24/7 Farmer Wellness Helpline: (888) 901-2558
Free, confidential, and immediate support any day, any time. Helpline representatives can also make referrals to Farmer Wellness Tele-Counseling Sessions or the Counseling Voucher Program for ongoing, long-term support.
- Tele-Counseling
Farmers and their family members can receive free, confidential, and unlimited sessions from a licensed mental health professional online or by phone. Sessions can be requested by contacting the 24/7 Farmer Wellness Helpline at (888) 901-2558.
If you are feeling suicidal, contact the helpline or 9-8-8 immediately.
The 988 Lifeline provide 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resource for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professional in the U.S.
For more resources on mental health and wellness, click on Mental Health & Wellness Resources for the Dairy Community | NMPF
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