Mental Health is a buzz word that we are hearing more and more often. There are efforts to bring awareness to and destigmatize mental health challenges. However, according to the CDC suicide is among the top 10 leading causes of death in the US in 2020 among persons 10-64 years of age, and the second leading cause of death among adults 25-34 years of age.

Rural living, farm life to be specific, while rewarding, can be incredibly stressful. Farmers and farm families have a unique set of stressors that weigh on them daily, creating mental health challenges. Many times, these challenges are not properly addressed due to lack of knowledge, awareness, and the general stigma that surrounds mental health in general. Among the farming population, suicide is more prevalent due to the outside stressors of the job, social isolation, relationship problems/family stress, and market fluctuations. In Kentucky alone, 109 farmers died by suicide from 2004-2017.  

The Grayson County Extension Agents for Family and Consumer Sciences and Agriculture and Natural Resources coordinated a Farm Stress and Rural Mental Health program to help raise awareness in the community. Dr. Paul Norrod, a specialist with the University of Kentucky traveled to Grayson County and presented Farm Stress and Rural Mental Health to 13 participants. Topics included: mental health challenges, characteristics of farm stress, neurologic effects, early signs and symptoms, self-care, coping strategies, and when to seek professional help.

As a direct result of participating in this program 100% of participants reported a better understanding of the physical and neurological effects of mental health challenges and stressors, can identify early signs and symptoms, coping and self-care strategies related to mental health issues, and lastly, how to support others through a mental health crisis.

One participant stated the most significant thing they will apply is “Taking time to take a break and to do something to help relax. Going on a walk. Checking on people a little more in depth rather than just say how are you? Actually pay attention to them and watch their body language and how they respond to you. See if they need help and just won't talk about it. They may feel alone and that no one cares…” Others stated they would utilize and apply methods of self-care for reducing anxiety and be more intentional about checking in on others.

Follow up: One of the program participants reached out to the ANR agent and told them that they needed the education for a CAIP grant, but that they were very happy they came because now they have some tools to use in case they interact with someone who is struggling.