Pause for Mental Health Awareness Month with Self-Care and Community Support

May 11, 2023 — 

Long hours, physical labor, financial stress, isolation, and uncertainty due to weather and market conditions -- these factors can contribute to increased stress, anxiety and depression among farmers.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and it's a good time to check in with yourself, your family and your neighbors.

We can foster more resilient and healthy farming communities by addressing the mental health needs of farmers with specialized care and resources like these:

• awareness and education
• accessible services in rural areas
• health care providers who understand the culture of farming communities
• financial and legal assistance
• community building

Check out these resources tailored to the specific needs of farmers and learn what you can do to help yourself and others:

AgriSafe Mental Health Resources: Empower yourself with information and support tailored for the agricultural community.

Farm Aid -- Farmer Resource Network: Discover more than 750 resources for farmers from across the U.S., addressing mental health and other services and resources specific to your needs.

Rural Response to Mental Health: Learn about mental health initiatives and programs specifically designed for rural communities.

Farm Journal's Guide to Mental Health: Equip yourself with practical strategies and advice on taking care of your mental well-being on the farm with this e-book.

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: If you or someone you know is in need, call 988 or access live chat support online.

[Source: Pork Checkoff 10 May 2023]