Mental health resources for farmers and ranchers

Mental health is a serious concern for farmers and ranchers and their families and employees. If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. If texting is preferred, text HOME to 741741 for free crisis support 24 hours a day in the U.S.

Learn more about mental health, stress, depression, and suicide, and get tips for helping yourself and others in these articles from Successful Farming magazine:

• Farm youth mental health often overlooked
  A new study shows farm youth are struggling with anxiety and depression. The Progressive Agriculture Foundation is working to provide resources to farm kids and their families.
• Learn how to help farmers who may be suicidal
  Free training from AgriSafe Network teaches a well-known method of suicide prevention, with a focus on farmers.
• Online tools make mental health care accessible
  Therapy apps took off at the onset of the pandemic, and doors to mental health care opened to rural Americans.
• 9 tips for coping with farm stress
  When farmers are healthy, their farms may be more productive, explains psychologist and farmer Michael Rosmann.
• Can practicing presence make farming less stressful?
  Rural mental health advocate Alma Jorgenson offers farmers practical tips for practicing presence and reducing their stress.
• Self-care is mental health maintenance
  Self-care doesn't have to be extravagant or costly to be effective. Here are some ways farmers and ranchers can fit self-care into their busy days.
• Mental health success stories
  Mental health is a global issue. See how rural communities in other parts of the world are helping those in need.
• Be the light at the end of the tunnel
  Becoming trained in mental health first aid allows you to stand in the gap of a crisis until professional help can be obtained.
• Reach out to those struggling with mental health
  When you notice someone battling depression or having thoughts of suicide, don't wait for them to ask for help. Here are some tips for reaching out.
• SF Special: Farmer suicides today vs. 1980s farm crisis
  A heart-wrenching article describes how three Iowa farmers took their own lives during the 1980s farm crisis.
• Breaking down mental health barriers in agriculture
  The Do More Ag Foundation is working to bring more mental health awareness to agriculture. The mission of the foundation is to champion the mental wellbeing of all producers.
• Assessing suicide risks in farmers
  Ohio State University Extension Educator Jami Dellifield shares what to do if you're worried about a family member or friend who may have a mental health illness or be at risk for suicide or harm.
• Agriculture help hotlines
  Mediation and counseling are available to get you through this ag downturn.
• Stress takes a toll on health
  Farmers and ranchers must find a way to manage the stress in their lives before it affects their mental and physical health.
• SF Podcast: Identifying and assessing suicide risks
  Jami Dellifield is an Ohio State University Extension Educator from Hardin County, and is a certified Mental Health First Aid instructor.
• Friendship line offers seniors a caring ear
  Friendship and mental health support is just a phone call away for Americans age 60 and over and for adults living with disabilities.