Agricultural and farming services, also known as agriservices, include financial consulting, veterinary services, crop brokerage, meat packing, legal consultation, and other services. Agriservices play a crucial role in farmers being able to run their farms efficiently and safely, not only for their livelihood and families, but also for the good of their communities. Due to the deep trust farmers place in their relationships with agriservice agencies, those working in these industries may be the first point of contact for a farmer in crisis.
Farmers frequently face chronic stress related to finances, production, safety and weather. These stressors can lead to significant physical and behavioral health challenges. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified that farming and ranching continue to have among the highest reported suicide rates per occupation in the United States. Additionally, preliminary results from a study by Josie Rudolphi and Richard Berg indicate that 60% of farmers meet the criteria for at least mild depression, and 55% of farmers meet the criteria for generalized anxiety disorder.
Despite the evident need for increased support for farmers related to behavioral health, farmers are often less likely than other populations to seek the services of a therapist or counselor. This reluctance may be due to a variety of barriers, which can include:
Exhaustion.
Depression or anxiety, which make it difficult to make complex decisions.
Stigma surrounding emotional and mental health issues.
Distrust of behavioral health professionals who may not understand the unique farm subculture.
Lack of easily accessible physical and behavioral health services in rural areas.
Limited finances or lack of insurance coverage.
Given these barriers, farmers may not seek support for suicidal ideation or depression from a behavioral health specialist. They are, however, more likely to continue working with their veterinarians, accountants, brokers, attorneys and insurance agents. Studies, such as the one conducted by King and colleagues, have found that these ongoing relationships can be life-saving when agriservice professionals are trained to recognize signs of distress, and respond appropriately.
Source: msu.edu
Photo Credit: gettyimages-ben-goode
Categories: Michigan, General