[Logo: AgriSafe Network: Protecting the people who feed the world.]
Many of the factors that affect agricultural production are largely beyond the control of the producer. Good health, including mental health, is a key factor that contributes to one’s ability to keep farming.
Twenty percent of any population has mental health complications, including farmers and ranchers. Stigma and privacy concerns associated with mental health issues may mean that many people do not seek out available behavioral health services.
Symptoms of poor mental health include
- Persistent worry and fear.
- Apprehension and uneasiness.
- Avoidance of others.
- Feeling sad.
- Lack of interest or pleasure in activities.
- Significant weight change or changes in appetite.
- Problems sleeping.
- Slow or fidgety body movements.
- Low energy.
- Difficulty concentrating.
- Frequent thoughts of death or suicide.
- Substance misuse.
- Unexplained changes in physical appearance or behavior.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, take the following two question self-assessment tool:
- During the past two weeks, have you often been bothered by feeling down, depressed, or hopeless?
- During the past two weeks, have you often had little interest or pleasure in doing things?
If you answered yes to either of these questions, consider talking to your health care provider about further assessment. You can also access self-screening tools by visiting https://screening.mhanational.org/screening-tools/
When you talk to your health care provider:
- Be proactive; ask about potential signs of stress, anxiety, or depression.
- Speak openly about stressful issues in your work and home life.
- Be familiar with your family medical history related to depression or other contributing behavioral issues.
- List any prescribed and over-the-counter medications you take.
- Be aware of smoking habits and alcohol intake.
- Inquire about a referral to a mental health specialist.
- Know what your insurance coverage may or may not be for a mental health evaluation.
[Photo of a farmer kneeling in a field.]
Factors impacting wellness
Stress is our response to anything that threatens our physical, emotional, or financial health or survival. A stressor is an event or series of events that harms or threatens an individual and causes them to respond. When we suffer from too much stress for too long, it is called distress. Persistent, extended periods of negative stress can precede other issues impacting mental wellness. It is often difficult for people to distinguish between depression and stress.
For agricultural populations, stressful events might include:
- Financial concerns (i.e., equipment purchases, borrowing for farm operations, mortgages or rent, and insurance).
- Personal or family concerns (i.e., death of someone close, illness, marital relationships, family demands).
- Work-related injuries
- Change in farm policies.
- Chemical exposure.
- Loss of crop or livestock.
- Weather.
Depression is a disorder that affects the biochemical balance of the brain and causes symptoms such as low energy level, sadness, physical impairments, low self-esteem, and problems thinking. Depression may be diagnosed when multiple symptoms are present for more than two weeks.
Anxiety disorders are the most common of all behavioral health conditions. Anxiety includes fears, apprehensive mood, feelings of dread, and worried thoughts and behaviors. Some types of anxiety disorders include panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and phobias. Untreated anxiety can lead to depression, substance abuse, and poor self-esteem.
Suicide comments should never be discounted. Always respond immediately.
Warning signs indicating a person may be at risk for harming self or others include:
- Talk of suicide.
- Changes in sleep and/or eating patterns.
- Stopped taking medication as prescribed or hoarding medication.
- Increased use of drugs or alcohol.
- Preoccupation with death.
- Making last arrangements, giving away possessions.
- Obtaining firearms.
- Withdrawal from family, friends, and routines that were pleasurable.
- Aggressive and disruptive behavior.
- Increased irritability and criticism.
- History of suicide of family member or friend.
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, call 9-8-8.
Assistance with Mental Health Issues:
- For a medical or life-threatening emergency, call 9-1-1-.
- Mental Health America: www.mentalhealthamerica.net
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Toll-Free Crisis Hotline: 1-800-273-8255.
[Simples illustrations of a heart shape with a heart rate line inside, a bag of money, and a stalk of wheat.]
This material was produced under a grant (SH-26280-SH4) from the Occupational Safety & Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. It does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does the mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.