Mental Health Matters: Provide Employees with the Right Resources

The stress of owning and operating a dairy farm is enormous. And, as harvest nears, additional stress looms for many farmers. Wisconsin dairy farmer, Randy Roecker, understands this all too well. His Loganville dairy farm took on a major expansion in 2008, just ahead of the recession hitting, and the financial stress spiraled his mental health into major anxiety and depression.

“I didn’t know what was wrong with me. I just knew I felt overwhelmingly stressed out and sad,” Randy shared at the 2021 Milk Business Conference in Las Vegas.

Randy found himself in the hospital twice because he had overdosed on pills. “So many pills were laying around, as I was over-medicating,” he says. “I started to self-medicate myself. If one pill didn’t help, maybe four would.”

Mental health practitioner, Ted Mathews reiterated that “we're all in this together,” and says that it's important to deal with stressors before they get to the point that impacts your mental health.

“You have to remember when people say they have a family farm, sometimes they haven’t spoken to other family members in days,” Mathews shares. “You must make time for family.”

“Be a good listener,” Randy says. “If someone opens up and talks with you about their troubles, be a good listener. This really helps more than most people realize.”

September is Suicide Prevention Month, and OSHA is urging employers to actively promote available resources to all workers.

According to OSHA, suicide is a leading cause of death among working-age adults in the U.S.

Additionally, 2 out of 5 U.S. adults have a mental health issue or substance use disorder, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“Work-related stress can have an impact on mental health and, without proper support, could lead to substance abuse and even suicide,” OSHA says. “Not addressing the underlying stressors or injuries can exacerbate mental health symptoms and may increase the risk of substance abuse or even suicide.”

The agency’s Preventing Suicides webpage has resources on developing mental health and safety programs, so workers can get the help they need. Among the goals of these programs:

• Strive to create a workplace environment that fosters open communication and a sense of belonging.
• Implement a workplace safety and health program that proactively identifies and addresses hazards that could lead to injuries or illnesses.
• Provide resources and programs that promote employee health and well-being, as well as support work-life balance.
• Inform employees of resources and treatment services available for mental health and substance use disorders through employee assistance or health insurance programs, or in the community.
• Provide accommodations and return-to-work assistance for employees seeking treatment or who are in recovery.
•  The webpage also has links to 60-second public service announcements in English and Spanish, posters, and links to additional resources.

“When you work closely with someone, you may sense when something is wrong,” OSHA says. “If you are concerned about a co-worker, talk with them privately and listen without judgment. Encourage them to get help. If someone is in crisis, stay with them and get help. If you believe a co-worker is at immediate risk of suicide, stay with them until you can get further help. Contact emergency services or call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.”