AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — Every career has its highs and lows, but certain careers come with incredibly high stakes. Farmers roll the dice every year not knowing what the outcome of their crop will be or how much it will cost them. This is one of the main reasons why mental health awareness is so important within the agricultural community.

The month of May is designated as mental health awareness month. Alabama Cooperative Extension System specialist and assistant professor at Auburn University Silvia Vilches researches many facets of human sciences including cultural and rural family dynamics.

“Maybe your business is struggling, your farm is in debt, your job is threatened, you have too many things to do or you need a job,” Vilches said. “You do not need to struggle alone. In fact, it is important that you do not.”

High pressure professions undoubtedly have high rates of stress, anxiety, underlying health issues and sometimes even increased suicide rates. According to Penn State University research, the increased risk of injuries, self-blame and financial strain on agricultural producers is weighty.

Brady Peek, owner and operator of Peek Family Farms, is a fifth-generation farmer in Elkmont, Alabama. Peek said hope and optimism are how he finds the light at the end of the turnrow.

“Currently, we are in a time of high input costs with low commodity profits,” Peek said. “Alabama producers struggled financially last year and now going into this year. That certainly takes a toll on your metal health. My dad always says even if today was bad, you have to hope tomorrow will be better — or the next day.”

Curated Connections

Farmers face magnified stressors running their operations as they make tough decisions daily. Some of their day-to-day challenges include unpredictable weather, market volatility, labor shortages and the physical demands of their work, all of which can impact their mental and emotional well-being.

Considering that, what tools can farmers use to combat the often-overwhelming adversities of day-to-day farming operations?

Kali Gilbert is an Alabama Extension agent in central Alabama with a focus on health and wellness. Gilbert discussed how Alabama Extension can be a shoulder to lean on and a listening ear while facing daily obstacles.

“There are many Alabama Extension professionals that encounter producers in their day-to-day work that can also act as that resource, too,” Gilbert said. “For example, an agent on a farm visit noticing that the producer they are working with is exhibiting signs of struggle with their mental health. Also, being aware of the 988 hotline and connecting them with that resource could be vital to that individual.”

Agricultural producers should find ways to prioritize their mental health because of the unique challenges they face. Therefore, maintaining connections between family, friends, peers and even health professionals can help provide mental and emotional balance.

“I am blessed enough to have a great support system to keep me focused when the weight of the farm is heavy or isolating,” Peek said. “The farming community of friends, family and neighbors is where we can fellowship together and discuss our struggles with like-minded people.”

Inherited Stigmas

According to a survey conducted by the American Farm Bureau Federation, 63 percent of farmers acknowledge the stigma concerning mental health in the industry. Although awareness is growing, many still see it as a barrier preventing them from asking for mental or emotional support.

“There is still a stigma in agriculture about asking for help or talking about mental health when you are facing hard times,” Peek said. “Farmers have long been viewed as being independent and tough, but everyone needs a good support system to face their battles.”

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, agricultural and farming occupations rank in the top ten of suicide rates in their 2023 data results. These alarming statistics hopefully encourage all of us to check in regularly with our friends and family, especially those in agricultural professions.

As a result, many agricultural agencies are now talking more openly about mental health awareness. Peek praised agricultural interest groups like the Alabama Farmers Federation and commodity promotion boards for being a place to seek support and foster community camaraderie.

Finding Peace

Peek said that sometimes one of the best ways to find peace as a farmer is to let go of the problems for the day.

“I do have to remind myself sometimes to leave my problems behind and enjoy the present,” Peek said. “Going home and prioritizing my family reminds me that’s who I am doing this for anyway. The broken bolt on the tractor will still be there tomorrow.”

Producers can turn to Alabama Extension professionals for guidance on critical issues. With comprehensive education and outreach resources, some challenges may have straightforward solutions. Given that, solving one small problem might be just the boost someone needs when having a particularly stressful season of their life.

“Asking for help isn’t a failure, it is you taking care of yourself. Like the name of the Alabama Department of Agriculture’s campaign, “Healthy You, Healthy Farm.” Gilbert said. “The farm can’t be healthy if you aren’t healthy – and mental health is a major piece of that. There are resources available to you, don’t be afraid to reach out.”

More Information

Find additional resources about mental health by visiting www.aces.edu or reading Vilches’ Extension Brief titled, “May is Mental Health Awareness Month.”