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Disclaimer: Before I start, I want you to know that I’m going to talk about something serious and painful this time—stress and suicide.
It happened again. Someone I know lost a loved one on the farm to suicide. It happens more frequently than you would think; according to some studies farmers have among the highest suicide rates of any profession. The stigma of needing mental health help still keeps people from asking for support and talking about their pain. The stigma needs to stop, and it needs to be ok to not be ok.
In this blog I’ve been providing simple stress management tips and strategies to keep stress from getting overwhelming. But sometimes, strategies aren’t enough. The stress gets huge and people can feel crushed. Sadly, most of the time they are afraid to talk about it. Today I’m writing to ask us all to break the silence.
If you’re suffering and feeling anxious or depressed or like nothing matters—speak to someone. There are people who care and who want you to be safe and well. Talk with a close friend, or a pastor, or a counselor. Talk with someone. There is help and support out there. If you don’t know where to turn, call 988 , a national network that provides free and confidential emotional support 24/7 and can help you find services in your area.
If you are worried about a friend or family member who has been under a lot of stress and doesn’t seem to be themselves, don’t stay quiet. Even if it’s outside of your comfort zone, ask how they are doing, and be willing to listen. Acknowledge what they’re going through, and let them know they don’t have to go through it alone. Offer to take them to talk with a pastor, a doctor, a counselor (again, 988 can help). Stay connected and let them know you care.
American Farm Bureau has the Farm State of Mind campaign, encouraging conversations about farmer stress and mental health. They have lots of resources…take a look at this excellent video they produced Mental Health in Rural America and their great website . You can find even more resources at the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network.
One of the things I’ve learned about farming communities is the pride they have in taking care of their own. Let’s take care of ourselves, our own, and all in the ag community. Let’s talk about stress and mental health and hope and resilience. Remember, you are the most important asset of your farm, and crucially important to your family, and your community.
