Farm Stress Education
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur. Eu dolor tincidunt id eu amet mollis in. Ac id praesent massa duis aliquet commodo. Platea donec eu velit orci pharetra duis auctor vestibulum. Consequat leo amet quis scelerisque justo vel cursus nibh. Nunc eu turpis netus sed nam ullamcorper enim. Blandit cras et cursus et elit.
Even in the best of times, farming can be an incredibly high-stress occupation, between unpredictable weather, crop disease, volatile markets, and social isolation. But with persistently low prices, recent natural disasters, and trade uncertainty, times have been particularly tough in farm country – and it’s taking a toll on farmers’ mental wellbeing.
While farmers experience higher levels of psychological distress, depression, and suicide than the general population, they are less likely to seek help for mental health issues. Even for those who do seek help, resources may not be readily available, as 60 percent of rural Americans live in areas with mental health provider shortages.
Recognizing these immense challenges, National Farmers Union is providing resources that may help farmers, their family members, friends, and neighbors address the farm stress crisis in their own communities.
Rural Resilience Training
NFU offers a free, anonymous online training to help address the farm stress crisis. Participants will learn to:
- Understand sources of stress
- Recognize warning signs of stress and suicide
- Identify effective communication strategies
- Reduce mental health stigma
- Connect farmers and ranchers with mental health resources.
This training is available through a partnership with NFU, Farm Credit, the American Farm Bureau Federation, Michigan State University Extension, and Illinois Extension.
Togetherall Online Peer-to-Peer Support
Togetherall is an anonymous peer-to-peer online community that empowers farmers and their families to get and give support, made possible by the Farm Family Wellness Alliance. Signing up is easy and anonymous, ensuring your privacy and confidentiality throughout your journey.
- Supportive Community: Using an anonymous profile, connect and share in a safe space with others who understand. Join the Agricultural Group!
- Immediate Access: Whatever’s on your mind, you can access Togetherall in minutes, 24/7.
- Wellbeing Tools: To better understand what you’re going through, access self-help resources, or explore well-being tools like guided courses and assessments.
- External Resources: Personal wellbeing and life event support services are available through Personal Assistance Services (PAS) and accessible through Togetherall. These services include family and individual counseling provided by agriculturally competent rural mental health professionals. Watch to learn more.
Farm State of Mind
NFU has partnered with the American Farm Bureau Federation on the Farm State of Mind campaign, building awareness to reduce stigma and providing access to information and resources that promote farmer and rancher mental health wellness.
