Supporting Mental Health On-Farm
We know farm life can be demanding and stressful. These last few years have proven even more stressful with pandemic impacts on top of natural disasters, labor shortages, trade disruptions, financial pressures and other factors over the past several years. It’s no surprise that more farmers and farm families are facing stress and mental health concerns.
Not only is it important to discuss farmer mental health, but it is equally important to have these conversations with the industry folks that work closely with them. Farmers are proud, self-reliant, independent people with a strong work ethic. These values contribute to success on their farms, but they can also contribute to farmers sometimes being reluctant to seek help if they’re feeling anxiety or depressed. A common sign of a person struggling is isolation. While a farmer may stop going to meetings, church and social gatherings, they are still going to see the nutritionist, veterinarian, milk truck driver, consultants and other on-farm support staff. These people have an “in" and are allowed access to that bubble of isolation – making it so important for support staff to be able to spot warning signs.
Likewise, farmers can also help note differences in behavior of industry support staff and be a resource to them as well. We are in this together!
How can you tell if someone else is struggling?
When observing others, perk up and pay attention if you notice:
- Decline in care of crops, animals and/or farm
- Deterioration of personal appearance
- Isolation
- Change in mood, routine and/or appetite
- Interacting with children less
- Increase in physical complaints, difficulty sleeping
- Increase in drug or alcohol use
- Giving away prized possessions, calling or saying goodbye
- Making statements such as “I have nothing to live for”, “My family would be better off without me” and “I don’t want to be a burden”
How can you help?
There are two key things you can be prepared with to support someone struggling mentally. First, is to listen and don’t blame. While time to talk on the farm may be rare, it’s important. Many experts suggest that listening non-judgmentally with care and concern can be extremely helpful. Asking someone wholeheartedly “How are you doing?” and truly listening to their answer can make a huge difference.
Second, is to be prepared with resources on hand so that if a conversation occurs with concern, you are armed with information to help. If possible, offer to be there as support while they make a call, send a text, make an appointment, etc.
- Suicide and Crisis Hotline: Dial 988
- Farm Aid Hotline: 1-800-FARM-AID (Farm Aid works with organizations around the country staffed with farm advocates, counselors and hotline operators that understand the stressors that come with farming)
- Do a little of your own research and know local and state-wide resources. You can find some at https://www.fb.org/land/fsom
As support staff, we are given a unique opportunity to reach farmers that may be struggling. Being open and prepared to have a hard conversation can make all the difference in saving a life, and these resources will prepare you with information if that happens. We can strengthen our industry by supporting one another through the hard times.
