Weekly Column: Mental Health Awareness In Agriculture

A relatively small segment of our society has an outsized role in our country: Less than 2 percent of our country's population grows the food that fuels our communities and families across the country and world. And their work is often stressful, as farmers and ranchers constantly face extraordinary risks beyond their control. Earlier this summer, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution I co-sponsored that raises awareness about agricultural industry and workforce related mental health and continues efforts to reduce stigma associated with mental health.

In the resolution, the Senate sought to: “create awareness for the unique challenges agricultural producers and workers face, such as weather unpredictability, labor intensity and shortages, farm succession and fluctuating commodity and market prices” and “promote mental well-being and awareness for current and future agricultural producers and workers.”

Families and communities have been profoundly impacted by the loss of loved ones and leaders in their communities to suicide. As acknowledged in the resolution, the National Rural Health Association reports the rate of suicide among farmers is 3.5 times higher than among the general population. According to the Mortality-Linked National Health Interview Survey, the rate of suicide among farmworkers is 1.4 times higher than rates across all other occupations.

Ensuring everyone knows where to turn for help to prevent suicide and receive crisis intervention has been one of my top priorities.

• All Americans have access to the 3-digit, 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. People in crisis can call or text 988 to connect confidentially with life-saving resources, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

• The U.S. Department of Agriculture highlights a number of farm stress and mental health resources at https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/general-information/staff-offices/office-congressional-relations/office-external-and-intergovernmental-affairs/center-faith/farm-stress-and-mental-health-resources. Resources include other phone and text hotlines and support networks focused on challenges in the agricultural sector.

• The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare also provides many resources, including resources to assist Idahoans who have lost a loved one to suicide, at http://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/Families/SuicidePrevention/Resources/tabid/1920/Default.aspx.

• The Idaho State Department of Agriculture also has producer-focused information and resources available at https://agri.idaho.gov/marketing/farm-ranch-center/farm-stress/. The site also informs, “Looking for a mental health professional who works with farmers and ranchers? Call us! (208) 332-8500.”

The Working Families Tax Cuts, enacted into law last year, helps farm families reduce the stress of federal policy uncertainty by eliminating the threat of tax hikes and extending agricultural policy, including risk management tools.

Agricultural producers are among those who can be forced to a point in their lives where it may feel like things are coming apart. I commend those reaching out to others, sharing experiences and breaking down barriers to connect with those in crisis. Those who have lost loved ones to suicide or who have overcome considerable challenges have stressed that there is an end to the difficulty and to never give up. You are helping others see hope through the hardship and people are ready to help.

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