We provide farmers and ranchers the tools to deal with the stressors of the agriculture industry.
University of Idaho and Idaho Farm Bureau Present Scott Fuhriman: The Story of a Survivor
Scott Fuhriman is an Idaho farmer who has experienced multiple family tragedies. He talks about surviving grief and sorrow and how a chance encounter with a health professional helped Scott recognize depression and get help to move forward.
Why Mental Health
Recognizing the high levels of stress affecting America’s farmers and ranchers, AgWest Farm Credit, American Farm Bureau Federation and National Farmers Union partnered to develop training materials focused on mental health and stress management.
Rural Resilience Training: Register for the free Farm Stress Training here.
Farm State of Mind – “A healthy farm or ranch is nothing without a healthy you.” Follow #FarmStateOfMind on social media and utilize the resources on the Farm Bureau website to promote and protect mental health in rural communities.
Where do Cowboys go to Cry? – This article answers that question and shares insights on why there is traditionally a negative stigma around mental health.
Planting Resiliency in Seasons of Uncertainty – Mental health professional, Adrienne DeSutter, shares three tips on becoming more resilient when it comes to mental health.
The Challenge of Rural Stress – A webpage from University of Nebraska-Lincoln that explains how daily stresses can affect farmers and signs that a farmer may be experiencing extreme stress or mental illness.
Tips for Managing Farm Stress – Listen or read through a podcast from Iowa Farm Bureau as they discuss with Dr. Mike Rosmann managing farm stress.
Men and Mental Health – National Institute of Mental Health webpage with information about how mental health challenges affect men.
Women and Mental Health – National Institute of Mental Health webpage with information about how mental health challenges affect women.
Stress Management
Recognizing the high levels of stress affecting America’s farmers and ranchers, AgWest Farm Credit, American Farm Bureau Federation and National Farmers Union partnered to develop training materials focused on mental health and stress management.
Rural Resilience Training: Register for the free Farm Stress Training here.
Resilient Farms and Families – Responding to Stress – Learn how stress affects the mind and body and how to effectively manage stress.
How to Cultivate a Productive Mindset – Cultivating a productive mindset helps increase resiliency when times are tough. Read about how to get into the right mindset while on the farm.
Planting Resiliency in Seasons of Uncertainty – Mental health professional, Adrienne DeSutter, shares three tips on becoming more resilient when it comes to mental health.
Tips for Managing Farm Stress – Learn how stress affects the mind and body and how to effectively manage stress.
Stress Assistance Resources for Farmers – Cultivating a productive mindset helps increase resiliency when times are tough. Read about how to get into the right mindset while on the farm.
Managing Farm Stress –The University of Wisconsin-Madison offers a site with details about what stress can do physically and tips on effective stress management for rural Americans.
College Planning Guide for Students with Mental Health Disorders – Pursuing higher education can be stressful for any college-bound student, but it can be more challenging for those with mental illness.
Stress Management – Pacific Medical Training created this article to help identify and manage stress.
Seeking Help
FARMAID-Call 1-800-FARMAID (1-800-327-6243). Hotline hours are Monday through Friday, 7am – 8pm MST or fill out the form here if assistance is needed outside hotline hours.
Suicide Prevention Hotline-Call 988 for free and confidential support.
Mellow Mountain Counseling-Providers at Mellow Mountain Counseling know the stressors of agricultural life. They offer services for rural and agriculture communities through various forms of online therapy; visit their website to schedule an appointment.
Department of Health and Welfare Service Location Finder-There are Adult Mental Health Services Offices and Crisis Centers across the state. Find one nearest to you here.
Idaho Mental Health Services Guide -In addition to state-funded centers, mental health services are abundant throughout the state. Utilize this resource to find contact information of service providers in each region.
Farm Crisis Center – Need help but not sure where to go? The Farm Crisis website offers options nationwide ranging from natural disaster help to hotlines.
Mental Health and the Impact on Wellness for Farm Families – Self-Assessment tool to discover where your mental health is at.
Man Therapy – This website is a “place where men can come and be men.” Tackle feelings such as anger, sadness, stress, substance abuse, and even suicidal thoughts head on.
Coping with Farm & Rural Stress – The state of Minnesota offers a farm and mental health helpline. Call 833-600-2670 or text FARMSTRESS to 898211.
Farm State of Mind – “A healthy farm or ranch is nothing without a healthy you.” Follow #FarmStateOfMind on social media and utilize the resources on the Farm Bureau website to promote and protect mental health in rural communities.
Coping with Stress in the Agricultural Community – Read this brochure from the Virginia Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coalition Program with symptoms that indicate it is time to get help.
Managing Stress – Learn about the warning signs of mental illness and where to get help when needed.
Rural Resilience Training –Recognizing the high levels of stress affecting America’s farmers and ranchers, AgWest Farm Credit, American Farm Bureau Federation and National Farmers Union partnered to develop training materials focused on mental health and stress management.
How and Why the 5 Steps can Help –The five action steps for communicating with someone who may be suicidal are supported by evidence in the field of suicide prevention.
Following a Suicide Attempt – What you need to know about a family member or friend who has been suicidal.
Factsheet – Suicide – No suicide attempt should be dismissed or treated lightly. This factsheet shares warning signs and resources to help with suicide prevention.
Man Therapy –In addition to services specific to men, this website also offers a Worried About Someone page.
Videos and Podcast
Farm Stress: You Are Not Alone – Farmers, agricultural agencies and health professionals offer guidance and resources to help cope with farm stress.
Farmers and Stress – A Purdue University Extension video on how to manage stress.
The Awkward Conversation – It can be challenging to talk about mental health. This video shares tips on how to address mental health while interacting with those around us.
Scott Fuhriman: The Story of a Survivor – Scott Fuhriman is an Idaho farmer who has experienced multiple family tragedies. He talks about surviving grief and sorrow and how a chance encounter with a health professional helped Scott recognize depression and get help to move forward.
TransFARMation – A radio and podcast series focused on coping with stress, from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and the Red River Farm Network.
Ag State of Mind –Host of the Ag State of Mind Podcast, Jason Medows uses his platform to help break the stigma regarding mental health in agriculture.
Navigating Mental Health Challenges in College –This article discusses the various mental health challenges college students face, such as stress, anxiety, and depression, and provides strategies for managing these issues, including seeking support, establishing healthy routines, and utilizing campus resources.
