Supporting Our Farmers

In the United States, mental health has been something that has recently grown in conversation today. People have believed that it is mostly teens that are affected by mental illnesses, but one group that is often forgotten about are farmers. The American Farm Bureau Farm State of Mind campaign builds awareness to reduce stigma and provides access to information and resources that promote farmer and rancher mental health wellness.

In today’s times, farming is an occupation that is quite demanding and stressful not only physically, but mentally as well. Multiple studies show that farmer suicide rates are 2-5x higher than the national average. Experiences such as natural disasters, extreme weather events, financial uncertainty, fluctuating markets, labor shortages, trade disruptions and other factors all contribute to extreme stress for farmers and ranchers who often live in a very isolated setting.

It is important that all people of all occupations are able to help themselves mentally and there are also many ways for farmers to reach out and better themselves. Asking for help allows for a possible outlet, fitting in time for pleasure and amusement, and if possible, it is also essential to incorporate people in your life that are beneficial. Beneficial could not only mean monetarily, but mentally or emotionally as well. Sometimes all people need is somebody to talk to. In all, farmers are important to our communities and daily life. Without farmers, food purchasing and consumption would quite different and for that, many are thankful for the work that they do complete.

All information and facts are from The American Farm Bureau Farm State of Mind can be found at https://www.fb.org/initiative/farm-state-of-mind.