Working on a farm may sound idyllic, but statistics show, agricultural workers are, in fact, more likely to suffer from extreme stress and depression than others in related industries.
Pressures of rural life can negatively impact mental health. With levels of stress and depression in the farming industry increasing year on year and suicide rates in agricultural workers among the highest in any related occupational group, mental ill-health signs must be spotted early for treatment to be effective.[continue reading…]
Think of a migrant worker? What came to mind? Was it a young man who travels abroad to find jobs in agriculture, construction, restaurants, or some other field of interest? I bet you (and I’m not a betting gal) that you didn’t think of a woman. I could definitely be wrong (this happens quite often) but women are increasingly becoming more and more a part of the migrant farmworker population.
March is Women’s History Month! We celebrate the women in this field, entrepreneurs, business owners, researchers, farmers, and stewards of the land, who have been referred to as “the backbone of the world’s food systems” by Foodtank.com.
There is an estimated two to three million farmworkers who are employed throughout the United States. Their labor brings the nation fruit, vegetables, and other crops.
COVID-19 has exacerbated the already marginalized and substandard conditions farmworkers face, not even to mention the myriad of health and other issues they may be experiencing.
Farmworker Justice, “a nonprofit organization that seeks to empower migrant and seasonal farmers to improve their living and working conditions, immigration status, health, occupational safety, and access to justice”, has extraordinary resources and information that will be featured here on the Texas AgrAbility Blog.
One recent post, speaks of the COVID-19 policy decisions and the risk to farmworkers. For more information click here
The holidays are known as a happy time for gift giving and holiday cheer, but for many farmers and ranchers, the end of the year brings with it an oversupply of stress. Uncertainty of the future, winter farm tasks, taxes, determining profits and losses, and providing gifts for the family all pile up. Your mental health is just as important as the health of your crops, livestock, and business, so it is important to take time to manage your stress during this season.
We are two weeks into September but it is not too late to mention that this month is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. With all that is going on in this world, we would be remiss to not provide resources. Please check out The Texas Agriculture Law’s Blog and see some of the free mental health and rural America discussions they will have this month. I plan to attend as many as possible so I can begin to build a foundation for how I might support myself and others. Please click on the link to explore Texas Agriculture Law Blog on National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
Blog post written by Thomas Consiglio, Addiction Campuses
Farmers and ranchers are disproportionately affected by the opioid crisis. Older adults in these communities are particularly at-risk. With jobs in rural areas frequently involving physical labor, many residents suffer from ailments that require pain management.
As an effective tool that blocks pain receptors in the brain, opioids have helped Americans cope with discomfort and chronic pain for decades. Although opioids are the most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, they put farmers and rural residents at-risk.
With November being Lung Cancer Awareness Month, we often find ourselves reading content that discusses more common lung ailments; however, when it comes to farming, a particular type of cancer that targets the agricultural community is mesothelioma. This cancer primarily affects the lungs and is caused by exposure to a dangerous carcinogen known as asbestos.
Today, we honor those who serve and served in the U.S. armed forces. While it is vital we always honor and respect those that keep us safe during times of war and peace, today is a special day where we recognize these individuals for all they do. Scroll down to view some of the best quotes, inspiration, and remembrances in honor of Veterans Day 2019.
