Farming can be challenging. Uncontrollable stressors like market changes, weather, and a lack of work-life balance can create difficulties for those in the field. Because of these stressors, the farming profession faces much higher rates of serious behavioral health outcomes, including death by suicide at almost twice the rate of other professions, according to the National Rural Health Association.¹
Luckily, there are resources for those in need. Michigan State University Extension offers grant-funded teletherapy for those affected by agricultural stressors, available at no cost. This applies to not only farmers and farmworkers, but also those in farming families and related occupations, such as commercial fishing, veterinary services, and more. With bilingual therapists from agricultural backgrounds, access to relatable talk therapy is easier than ever.
“It’s just like servicing your tractor, for example. If your tractor needs an oil change, you take care of it,” says Remington Rice, Health and Farm Stress Educator with MSU Extension. “If you are feeling stressed or having unwelcome thoughts, you seek help.”
1 Eisenreich, Rosalie, and Carolyn Pollari. n.d. “Addressing Higher Risk of Suicide Among Farmers in Rural America.” National Rural Health Association. https://www.ruralhealth.us/NRHA/media/Emerge_NRHA/Advocacy/Policy%2 documents /NRHA -Policy-Brief-Increases-in-Suicide-Rates-Among-Farmers-in-Rural-America.pdf.
Ready to face the stress with a professional? Start today.
Those in immediate crisis should call or text the Suicide Prevention Hotline at ‘988’ or chat at 988lifeline.org.
This article was originally published in the 2024 Local Food Guide.