Farm life can be stressful. Most pressures, such as weather, illness, injuries, loans and regulations, are constant and uncontrollable. Now, Midwestern farmers, ranchers and agricultural workers have direct access to a new tool to help manage stress, anxiety, depression or substance use issues.
The newly launched website, farmstress.org , is aimed at providing the agricultural community with resources and support through the North Central Farm and Ranch Assistance Center.
Depression, anxiety and suicide are more prevalent among agricultural populations than the general public. In the past year, COVID-19 has added to stressors faced by farming communities through disrupted supply chains, difficulties getting needed supplies, keeping workers safe and getting products to market.
"May is Mental Health Awareness Month so it's an opportune time to unveil this website that will serve as a clearinghouse for stress and mental health resources for anyone experiencing stress related to the many challenges of farming," said David Brown, behavioral health specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and state project lead.
The North Central Farm and Ranch Assistance Center is a 12-state collaborative based at the University of Illinois that works to expand access to and knowledge of mental health resources. The website shares available resources and research in a convenient, easy-to-access location.
"This new tool will help those in agricultural communities connect with critical information to help themselves, their family members or people they work with," said Brown. "Having this information available online helps make mental health information more accessible."
The website has resources by state and topic, including crisis numbers, telephone hotlines and training resources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Those in crisis should visit their local emergency department or call 911 immediately.
Brown encourages people in the agricultural community to bookmark the site for future reference on the many challenges they, their families, employees or clients face.
Throughout Mental Health Awareness Month, Brown and other state center partners are also raising awareness with a daily social media campaign on Twitter and Facebook that will include posts on mental health topics, signs and symptoms of distress, where those in need can find help, how to help someone in need and strategies for managing stress.
The North Central Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Center is supported by the USDA Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network, under agreement number 2020-70028-32728. The 12-state, north-central region includes Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.
For more information, feel free to contact David Brown at dnbrown@iastate.edu.
Categories: Michigan, Business