Farming is one of the most demanding and unpredictable professions, often marked by long hours, physical labor, and the constant pressures of weather, market fluctuations, and rising production costs. For many in agriculture, these challenges lead to significant stress that, when left unaddressed, can negatively impact mental and physical health. Seeking help is crucial to breaking the stigma, fostering resilience, and ensuring farmers have the tools and support to weather their unique challenges and maintain their overall health and well-being.
Stress and mental health issues often manifest as physical symptoms like heart problems, sleep issues, or weakened immunity. Sustained higher levels of stress can lead to depression, anxiety, fatigue, and other triggers that cause a greater propensity for attempting suicide. In Kansas, approximately one person dies by suicide every 16 hours. Suicide is the 9th leading cause of death in our state, and in 2020, 556 people died by suicide. More people in the state of Kansas died by suicide than alcohol-related car accidents in 2020.?The suicide rate in Kansas increased by 44 percent between 2011 and 2021.
Suicide can impact individuals, families, and communities. Everyone can help prevent suicide if they are willing to take action and ask the right questions, persuade individuals to seek help and treatment and refer them to the most appropriate resources. Suicide is preventable.?
Asking a friend or loved one about suicide will NOT put the thought into their mind or increase their risk of dying by suicide. If you or someone you know has mentioned or is experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviors and needs assistance, please call or text the National Suicide Helpline at 988.?The National Suicide helpline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Support services are confidential and free of charge. This helpline is now a streamlined version of the suicide hotline and involves the ability to call and talk with someone or text the number and use the text version if you do not want to talk.
Helpful Resources
- K-State Research and Extension has a Stress and Resiliency team that provides educational information about stress, stress management, and resiliency, or one’s ability to adapt positively to difficult experiences. Areas of focus include all types of stress and general mental health information because stress impacts all of us, regardless of demographics. The Stress and Resiliency team is trained in several programs: Mental Health First Aid, Michigan State Farm Stress Training, and QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer).
https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/program-areas/health-and-wellness/stress-management/
KSRE Stress and Resiliency Team:
Rachael Clews – rclews@ksu.edu
Rebecca McFarland – rmcfarla@ksu.edu
Alicia Boor – aboor@ksu.edu
- Kansas Agricultural Mediation Services (KAMS) is a state agricultural mediation program that helps farmers and ranchers explore options through mediation and other financial and legal concerns. They will gather your information and can connect you with financial advisors, legal advice, and lawyers. They can also put you in contact with mental health facilities closer to your location. They can be reached at 800-321-3276.
https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/kams/
- Kansas Ag Stress is a website with many resources compiled that can help care for and assist Kansas farmers and ranchers in their well-being. You will find help with stress management, financial and legal challenges, and many other needs.
https://www.kansasagstress.org/
