mental health in farmers

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and something most people don't know is how much farmers and ranchers struggle with their mental health. Their income is largely based on factors they can't control. For example weather, excessive workload, equipment circumstances, and economy. All of the stress upon them then affects their individual health, family life, and farm productivity. 

People overlook this issue but fail to realize the increasing concern for mental health and how serious it can be. With other conditions, many people rally around the person affected to show their support, but with mental health, there is a common lack of sympathy. Simply because people don't know how to help, or even don't consider it a real worry. 

Sources say that nearly 225 million farmers in the world experience mental health issues. This is considered an underestimate. Following the current teenage population and also retired military service members, farmers have the next largest percentage of suicide deaths. Many older farmers do not feel comfortable speaking out and receiving help. Farming communities are habitually less open towards admitting they struggle with mental health, or even accepting support. 

Farms are predominantly located in rural areas that have limited access to mental health services. But, people are starting to understand the impact that farmers' mental health has. Not only on the farmers themselves but also on their production, which then affects everyone else. Many resources are being put in place for those affected to utilize. Farm Aid Hotline is available to assist with training and planning for crises and techniques to manage stress. Many others are taking the initiative to raise awareness on this issue. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please reach out and get help. 

Project, The. "Farmers And Mental Health". The Livestock Project, 2022, https://www.cfsph.iastate.edu/thelivestockproject/farmers-and-mental-health/. Accessed 4 May 2023.

"Rural Response To Farmer Mental Health And Suicide Prevention Overview - Rural Health Information Hub". Ruralhealthinfo.Org, 2023, https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/topics/farmer- mental-health. Accessed 4 May 2023.

Hagen, Briana N. M. et al. "Research Trends In Farmers’ Mental Health: A Scoping Review Of 

Mental Health Outcomes And Interventions Among Farming Populations Worldwide". PLOS ONE, vol 14, no. 12, 2019, p. e0225661. Public Library Of Science (Plos), doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0225661. Accessed 4 May 2023.