It’s been a tough year. You know working in agriculture is often stressful. Things like the economy, finances, weather, and even a pandemic increase our stress levels and can leave us feeling defeated and hopeless.
Texas agricultural producers and farmworkers are hard workers and represent an unyielding force that suffers backbreaking work to provide for others. Unfortunately, the agriculture industry is considered one of the top occupations with the highest percentage of deaths by suicide. Key factors contributing to these rates include financial losses, chronic illness or pain, a sense of work-life imbalance, and physical or social barriers to accessing mental health services. Agricultural occupations are vulnerable to circumstances that are out of their control, such as unpredictable weather patterns, falling market prices, and labor shortages.
Even if a farmer or rancher attempts to seek mental health care, they generally reside in rural areas. In Texas, 75% of the 406 federal Mental Health Professional Shortage Area (MHPSA) designations are in rural areas. Therefore, Texas farmers and ranchers who may be in the greatest need of any occupational group are going without vital mental health services.
To help address the unique stressors faced by agricultural producers, the Texas Department of Agriculture is working alongside the Southwest Center for Agricultural Health, Injury Prevention and Education (SW Ag Center) and the AgriSafe Network to create the Texas Farmer’s Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Program.
The SW Ag Center has produced a multimedia campaign with hopeful messages, stress assistance resources, and training for farmers and ranchers faced with the challenges of extreme weather and the pandemic. The campaign, Seasons Change | You Remain, aims to shed light on mental health and bring awareness to the signs and symptoms of stress and its negative toll on our minds and bodies. According to the CDC, the suicide rate of those in agriculture is greater than the general population. Knowing the warning signs of suicide could save a life.
To date, these messages are distributed electronically through social media platforms, agricultural radio, and TV, and YouTube and have been shared many times. Brochures, posters, wallet cards, and rubber bracelets, postcards have been part of direct mailings to producers, TDA field reps, agricultural extension agents, hospitals, rural health clinics, and stock shows. To learn more about the campaign or to find resources and training, visit farmlifehelp.com.
The AgriSafe Network is the TDA partner in the program that developed and maintains the AgriStress Helpline. The AgriStress Helpline is:
- Staffed by credentialed professionals trained in the FarmResponse curriculum to respond appropriately to the agricultural community. FarmResponse is a program developed by experts in mental health, agriculture production, mediation, and financial analysis. To date, AgriSafe has trained 250 mental health professionals serving Texans in the FarmResponse curriculum.
- Utilizes a “care navigation” process that
a) triages for safety with crisis intervention and response
b) follows up with crisis callers within 24 hours of their initial call
c) directs callers to the appropriate resources for their situation.
Although we can’t always control or choose our circumstances, we can control and choose how we respond to them. Sometimes that response looks like asking for help. The AgriStress Helpline is 833-897-2474 and is available 24/7 via text or phone to the agricultural community, including family and friends.
Some would say the best quality of a farmer or rancher is their independent spirit, but what is agriculture without its community? A force of helpers, neighbors, extension and farm bureau agents, friends, counselors, and pastors. We are stronger together.
If you or a loved one is experiencing signs of stress, please call the AgriStress Helpline @ 833-897-2474. A professional trained to meet agricultural workers’ specific needs will be available to assist you.
Contributors: Shelbie Lambert, MPH | Outreach Education Coordinator, SW Ag Center
Natalie Roy, Executive Director, The AgriSafe Network
Compiled by: The State Office of Rural Health