Mental Health and Farming

Owning and operating a farm or ranch can be stressful, and farmers’ mental health faces a unique set of challenges. Farming is physically demanding, performing hard labor from sunup to sundown, from baling hay to planting to harvesting and maintaining the farm. 

But it’s emotionally difficult, too, since a farmer’s livelihood depends on so many unpredictable factors: shifting commodity prices, geopolitics, even the weather. Other factors, like time and money management, can contribute as well. It’s tough on the body, and it’s tough on the mind, too. 

No wonder farmer health and wellness can be a challenge, and the state of rural psychiatry can be grim. Studies find that those who live in rural counties in the U.S. tend to have higher rates of suicide but less access to mental health care than those in more populated areas. 

But changes in a person’s mental health status don’t typically happen overnight, and noticing signs of depression and other issues early can help treat and prevent more serious problems. Here are four of the early signs to look for. Remember, if you see these signs in yourself or someone else, consult a medical professional immediately – and if you’re in an underserved area, consider whether telehealth resources such as these might be an option. 

Symptom 1: Feeling Anxious or Depressed 

Anxiety and depression don’t always mean feeling nervous or sad. Sometimes anxiety and depression can present themselves in surprising ways, such as irritability, emotional outbursts, fatigue and nausea. It’s normal to feel exhausted after a long day or worried about financial stress, of course. 

But if you’re experiencing an ongoing sense of hopelessness that doesn’t seem to abate, that could be a warning sign of deeper issues. Talk to someone you trust and consider consulting a professional therapist or psychiatrist. There’s no shame in doing so.  

Symptom 2: Trouble Sleeping 

Insomnia, or the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep, can be an indicator of intense stress. A sleepless night or two happens to everyone occasionally. But if you have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep — especially after an exhausting day — for three nights a week for three months or longer, that could be a sign of chronic insomnia, and it could lead to other health issues. 

Be sure you’re practicing good sleep hygiene – sleep in a cool, dark room, leave electronic screens in another room and don’t drink or eat sugar or alcohol too close to bedtime. To stimulate sleepiness, try a soothing tea or a warm bath, but if nothing helps, consider it a warning sign. 

Symptom 3: Dramatic Changes in Weight 

Everyone’s weight fluctuates a bit throughout the year. But when it’s yo-yoing up and down dramatically, or if you suddenly gain or lose a great deal of weight, that’s not normal. Unintentional weight gain and weight loss can signal that something might be amiss with your health, either physical or mental. 

Make an appointment with your physician for a check-up. If all appears fine physically, it’s possible that severe stress could have an adverse effect on your body.    

Symptom 4: Substance Abuse 

There’s a significant link between substance abuse and depression, whether it’s drinking too much alcohol or consuming drugs. Often, those struggling with their mental health use drugs and alcohol to self-medicate, in order to escape their stress or cope with a reality that feels too difficult. 

If you think you or someone you know might be at risk for substance abuse, it’s important to reach out and get the help you need. Your state likely has an addiction hotline, or you can call a local hospital or your doctor’s office for help, and also to find local support groups. Nobody has to go through recovery alone. 

How to Get Help With Mental Health 

Hard times can bring an inordinate amount of stress, leading to mental health issues in farmers. If you recognize these signs in yourself or others, take action to improve the situation. Recognizing the connection between farming and mental health can save your life or a loved one’s. 

Some small steps that can lead to big changes include creating a community of support, checking in on fellow farmers and seeking professional help when you feel things are out of control or if you feel helpless and hopeless. 

Create a Community

Take the time to talk and connect with fellow farmers. Maybe you’d feel comfortable seeking out a faith-based community, or you’d prefer to find a group of folks that meet at a coffee shop to commiserate and compare notes. 

The most important part is being around other people and sharing your life with them. It’s important to listen and show empathy; many experts suggest that listening non-judgmentally and with care and concern can be very helpful. When others return the same behavior to you, then you’ll feel heard, too. 

Recognize the Problem

It’s tempting to avoid the problem, but problems that are hidden only grow until they are impossible to ignore. They can hurt more people in the end. 

If you feel shame around addressing the issue, think about it this way: You’re setting a good example for your loved ones, and you’re helping to remove the stigma around addressing mental health. You wouldn’t want your child, sibling or friend to feel that same shame if they were struggling. So, don’t hesitate to talk to someone and ask for help or ask someone to listen. It can bring you closer together. 

Keep These Resources Handy

There are lots of resources for farmer support available that you can use and share with your fellow farmers. Here are just a few websites you might visit for resources. 

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) 

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) 

Iowa Farm Bureau 

Farm State of Mind

Keep Yourself Safe

Being a farmer is no easy feat. When you’ve got your assets properly cared for, you can rest assured knowing it’s protected. Having the right insurance coverage in place can add to your peace of mind. Contact Farm Bureau to discuss the best insurance coverage for you and your family.