In rural states like Iowa, farmers are the backbone of many industries across the state, but they are also one of the most vulnerable populations to mental health.
Ames, Iowa —
Editor’s Note: This article contains a discussion of suicide and self-harm that may make some people uneasy. The video above, he originally aired in August 2022.
In rural states like Iowa, farmers are the backbone of many industries across the state, but they are also one of the most vulnerable populations for mental health issues.
According to US 2020 data, farmers, ranchers and other agricultural workers are more than twice as likely to commit suicide in the US compared to other occupations. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
As farmers enter the offseason and winter seasonal affective disorder For many Americans it is authentic, Dr. David Brown The Iowa State University Extension for Farm and Ranch Wellbeing says now is the perfect time for farmers to keep an eye on their mental health.
“We know that about 6 to 10 percent of individuals in northern climates, especially those in Iowa, can be affected by SAD,” says Brown. “Yes, it’s in its prime now.”
What causes farmers to struggle with mental health and suicidal thoughts?
according to brown, Some of the factors that contribute to farmer suicide rates are part of a wider trend.
“The reason is very simple. Most farmers are men. And men have a lot of high suicide rate than women. And that’s one of the key issues,” he said. “And in rural areas of the state, [they] Perhaps a little more access to gunsAnd that’s part of it. We know that farmers usually use guns to commit suicide. ”
According to the CDC, rural suicide rates are higher than urban statistics, with non-metropolitan suicide rates averaging 20.5 per 100,000 people, and central metropolitan area deaths totaling 100,000. Only 10.9 per person.
Some causes are unique to the agricultural industry, and many farmers see their work as part of their culture and heritage. there is.
“Farming is such an important part of their identity that they know that losing the farm, or any kind of disability, physical illness that prevents them from farming, is also a huge risk factor for suicide,” Brown said. Told.
When predominantly rural men who make up the population Farmers are in a tricky situation because the industry presents a lot of physical and mental stress.
“TThere’s also the stress of isolation, the sort of self-reliant independence that farmers have here,” Brown added.
That tendency to secrecy is especially common when it comes to substance abuse issues, which Brown said can be common when farmers are unable to work due to injuries. drug or alcohol addiction and higher rates of depression.
“We know that farmers across the country are going out from time to time to find other substances to help manage that pain, and opioids are clearly becoming a major issue.
To make progress, Brown urges farmers to do more than stick with it, even if it’s hard.
“It’s probably not the best thing for them. They’ll probably need to seek help, seek help, and seek help, not just for health care, but mental health care.”
What is Iowa doing to deal with it?
Several Iowa leaders are strong advocates for farmer mental health support, and many laws have been passed in the past few years aimed at addressing farmers at risk.
In August 2021, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced funding for outreach programs, including a $500,000 grant to expand mental health support programs for Iowa farmers in partnership with Iowa State University. Helped deliver and build.
Bipartisan Senator Joni Ernst Farmers First Act In 2019, funding was added from USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) to state departments, extension services, and nonprofits.
The funds were intended to “establish helplines, provide suicide prevention training to agriculture advocates, create support groups, and rebuild agriculture. Farm and Ranch Stress Support Network.”
Where can I get help?
There are many resources for farmers and their loved ones to find help statewide.
Free one-on-one counseling Farm Family Wellness Available 24/7 by calling 1-833-999-FARM (3276) or joining live chat here.
ISU’s outreach program provides free 30-minute or longer lessons to educate farmers and their families about stressors, emotional regulation and mental health management.farm stress.”
another resource is IowaCrisisChat.orgoffers live chat with trained medical professionals from 9am to 2am daily.
Here is the list of hotlines:
