UNITED STATES – Agriculture can be a rewarding but lonely profession with a lot of stressors like storm damage, low crop prices or sickness among livestock.
As the country recognizes Suicide Prevention Month this September, mental health professionals suggest the best thing to do is to reach out to them if you’re struggling and need help.
One of those resources is the AgriStress Hotline at 833-897-2474. You can call or text crisis specialists trained on things impacting people working in agriculture.
Flag Family Media Agriculture Director Bridgette Readel knows those struggles all too well.
Readel was a teen on her family’s farm in Wishek, North Dakota back in the late 1980s.
That was when the United States had its last major farm crisis. The country was impacted by two recessions, corn and wheat exports dropped 49 percent during separate four-year periods and Midwest farmland values declined dramatically according to the Farm Credit Administration.
Readel said back then she didn’t know the terms “depression”, “anxiety” and “stress”.
“Those who are around are willing to help others understand there is a life in this. You don’t have to be stressed out. Talking to others and getting good, solid advice, whether it’s with your economics, your marketing, is one good step,” Readel explained.
A big issue for many producers is having a farm that has been passed down to many family members and they don’t want to be the generation who lose it.
“The reality is if the farm has to change, we still get to keep you. That’s a pretty great trade-off,” Readel said.
Readel said, unfortunately, she also knows of several women who found themselves in the situation they never thought they would be running their farms, but they are because they have lost their spouse to suicide.
If you live in Minnesota, the state’s Department of Agriculture’s can help. It has three agricultural mental health providers including Monica McConkey who serve the western part of the state. They offer free, confidential counseling to farmers, farm family members, employees, agricultural workers and advisors statewide.
Readel said North Dakotans can reach out to the North Dakota State University Extension which helps people with mental health and first aid training.
Other resources she recommends for information on improving mental health are the American Foundation For Suicide Prevention, RuralMinds.org and “The Rural Well” podcast she co-hosts with Lauren Van Ewyk.
“We know the ag industry has its challenges, but we’re right alongside you and cannot wait to connect and inspire one generation’s legacy to the next,” TRW’s description on YouTube reads.
There’s one thing we can all agree on with mental health.
“Let’s take the stigma off and let’s all make sure that we’re here tomorrow,” Readel said.
