Mental health struggles are real and can be difficult to avoid

BY BRUCE KETTLER, Director
Indiana State Department of Agriculture

Harvest season has wrapped up for most farmers across the state. So, thankfully, some of the long nights harvesting crops and early mornings sitting at the elevators are coming to an end for this year.

We know that harvest time can be incredibly stressful. Trying to manage the day-to-day operations on the farm, along with watching grain prices, coupled with storage issues, animals to keep fed, warm and dry, and equipment breakdowns is exhausting. Then on top of all that you have community involvement activities that don’t stop, like volunteering at church or being a parent, husband or wife. Sometimes the fear and anxiety can feel like a mountain climb you will never complete.

And no one ever wants to talk about it. Maybe its awkward. Perhaps you don’t know what to say or how to help. Maybe you think it’s not your business. And all that could be true, but not talking about mental health struggles keeps the stigma, that people who struggle with these issues are weak or their issues aren’t that bad, alive and thriving. We want to break down that stigma. Mental health struggles are something every single person will likely face in their life, some multiple times. But there is help and support during those times.

Did you know that spring and fall account for the highest suicide rates according to the CDC? That coincidently is also the busiest and most stressful time for farmers and those involved in the agriculture industry.

If you are struggling silently, please know, there are resources available to help. As an industry, we understand how stressful and dangerous this occupation of yours is. We know how much you care about your family and your farm. We know working alongside family is never easy and that can cause a whole new level of stress. Rural healthcare
providers get it.

As winter quickly approaches so does seasonal depression. Couple that with the stress of everyday farm life and you’ve got a cocktail of intrusive thoughts and anxiety.

One thing I want everyone involved in agriculture to know; you are not alone. There are others who understand these circumstances, understand how your livelihood is up to commodity prices and volatile weather. They understand the stress and hardship of raising animals and families. You are not alone. November highlights National Rural Health Day, and I would be remiss if I didn’t point out that mental health and physical health are both equally important. This month, check on your friends, colleagues and neighbors. Make sure ahead of the holiday season they know they are loved, supported and cared for. We are hopeful that moving forward people can discuss their mental health struggles as much and as openly as they do their physical ones.

Not sure where to start? My department has partnered with the Indiana Rural Health Association to host community
suicide prevention programs, online suicide prevention trainings and business specific mental health training for employees, congregation members, board members and others.

For these community trainings, online trainings, and agribusiness seminars, visit isda.in.gov to learn more. If your
stress, fear, worry or nervousness right now is too much to handle, call or text 988 to speak with someone today.

Help is available in many forms. From community mental health workshops to online training. We know that mental health is just as important as physical health and I encourage you to check on those you love and care for. Together, we can break down the stigma regarding mental health in rural Indiana.