Mental health in the farming and ranching community has never been as important as it is now because of the challenges faced by U.S. agriculture. Linda Emmanuel, a farmer and the agricultural health liaison for the AgriSafe Network, said there are a lot of myths when it comes to mental health.
“I think about mental health. There is a heavy stigma attached, and I think part of it is that we don’t quite understand all the workings of the brain and how our emotions play into it. Farmers and ranchers are resilient. They have to be to get the work done, to work through all of Mother Nature’s current moods that she’s giving us, as well as all of those uncontrollable factors that weigh in our day-to-day stress and decisions. So, certainly there is a lot of stigma out there, and that’s part of AgriSafe’s mission to open up these conversations. Let’s talk about some of those stressors that you’re experiencing, and then look to that evidence-based research to help us come up with a solution.”
Another myth is asking someone if they’re suicidal will plant the idea in the mind of someone already struggling. That’s not correct.
“And research shows that truly is a myth. The fact is that most people, at some time during that suicidal crisis, or maybe even that heavy state of depression, they’re wanting someone to ask them the question about how are you feeling, how are you doing. Some folks will give indirect or direct clues, and that can be somewhat confusing to those of us that are trying to understand why that person is feeling the way they’re feeling, but actually it is asking the question about suicide puts that thought, that idea that person may be having that you worry about, out on the table, so that more folks can come together for a supportive solution.”
Emmanuel talked about the signs that someone may be struggling with mental health.
“So, the warning signs, again, with farmers and ranchers can be a little bit difficult to explore sometimes. We live in isolation, right? So, you might not be around them on a day-to-day basis, but for many folks, it’s a change. It’s a change in their behavior. Maybe you would see them coming to church on a regular basis, or coming for coffee, and you’re not seeing that. It’s their physical appearance that maybe looks more unkempt, unshaven, maybe more downtrodden, just not that usual person that you’re accustomed to seeing or to talking with.”
Another clue someone is struggling could be found on the farm or ranch.
“Think about the state of the appearance of their farms. For some farmers and ranchers, keeping a very clean, neat, tidy farm is important, and certainly, when I was up in Wisconsin, just a few weeks ago, I saw a lot of dairy farms that were in wonderful shape. So, if you see the state of that farm changing in appearance – unkempt, maybe the livestock not fed as normal – that could be a huge warning sign that something has changed or is difficult for that producer to handle at that time.”
For more information on mental health in agriculture, go to agrisafe.org.