BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) – Farming communities have faced mental health concerns for generations, fueled by the farm crisis of the 1980s and rising farm bankruptcies since 2019.
Male farmers, especially, deal with mental health issues.
According to the National Rural Health Association, men are three-and-a-half times more likely to commit suicide than the general population.
The motivation for self-harm can be fueled by financial stress, isolation and feelings of shame.
“Farmers, they’re the first ones to lend a helping hand to a neighbor or a friend, but they are the last ones to actually ask for help. And, so, that continues today. That stigma is still around,” said Tim Sullivan, executive director of Farm Rescue.
In the future, Sullivan said he hopes that younger farmers will be more aware of getting help, but right now, that’s not what they’re seeing with suicides ranging from teenagers to 80-year-olds.
“We’re covering the whole scope, so I’m not sure what the answer is there. You know, education is huge, and that’s what we’re trying to get across to these folks,” said Sullivan.
Sullivan said producers have to be willing to open up, if not to someone they know, to a mental health professional who can provide them with resources.
You can find resources through the Farm Rescue website.
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