Even Superman has his limits, and so do our farmers. Farms are inherently dangerous places, and many of us know someone who has been injured or killed in a farm accident. When such tragedies occur, the farming community rallies around the affected family, offering support and assistance. However, the dangers of farming extend beyond physical injuries. The most prevalent injury is inside the mind of our Superman farmers.
According to the latest CDC studies, farmers are over three times more likely to commit suicide than the general population. When a suicide occurs, it often surprises everyone. But the precursors of suicide, such as stress, anxiety, and substance abuse, are frequently overlooked. How many lives could be saved if we all took mental health as seriously as physical safety?
Managing mental health in the farming community is particularly challenging. Here are some observations based on discussions with clients who have faced these challenges:
Isolation is a significant issue. Other than a spouse, many farmers work alone with no peers to have deep discussions about mental health. In close-knit farming communities, there is still a stigma surrounding mental health. Even if a local clinic has a mental health provider, it can be difficult to sit in the waiting room without being recognized by neighbors and friends. Being seen outside a mental health professional’s office still carries a stigma.
The culture of grit in farming requires gumption, perseverance, and fighting through the day’s challenges. While these are admirable traits, mental health issues cannot be resolved by simply toughing it out. Farmers often have everything on their shoulders. People look to them daily to solve problems, know the answers, and accomplish big tasks. Asking for help and admitting they don’t have all the answers is not easy.
Farming comes with unique stressors that are often beyond one’s control—finances, weather, markets, and long hours all take a toll on mental reserves. Taking time to recharge the mental reserves isn’t always feasible. Taking time off from livestock or harvest can create more worry about what is happening back home. Changing jobs isn’t an option because so much rests on the farmer’s shoulders. The farm mortgage still needs to be paid, and the cows must still be fed.
Addressing mental health in the farming community requires a new approach. It involves creating awareness, reducing stigma, and providing accessible mental health services. The involvement of local health providers who understand the unique challenges farmers face is important. We can help our farmers manage their mental health if we make it normal to ask for help. We need to educate ourselves about the signs when someone is getting stressed or being put in stressful situations. Most importantly, as family farms, we need to talk about mental health and pay attention to the signs in each other. Superman couldn’t do it all, and neither can our farmers if they are alone in mental health struggles.
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