Mental Health Awareness
Long hours, physical labor, financial stress, isolation, and uncertainty due to weather and market conditions — these factors can contribute to increased stress, anxiety and depression among farmers.
It’s important to take the time to check in with yourself, your family and your neighbors.
Unlocking the Power of a Strong Community
If you or someone you know is struggling with stress, anxiety, depression or other mental health challenges, you are not alone. By reaching out, you can help create a more supportive and compassionate community. Even the smallest acts of kindness can have an impact on someone’s happiness and mental well-being.
- Send a text: Reach out to a friend, neighbor or family member with a simple message of encouragement or support.
- Be there: Being present and offering an empathetic ear can provide comfort and support.
- Take a break: Offer to accompany someone on any activity that allows them to take a break from their daily routine.
- Make a call: Reach out to someone you have spoken to in a while. Both of you will benefit from a friendly conversation.
Quick Tips for Coping with Stress & Anxiety
- Connect with others
- Take breaks from negative news or influences
- Prioritize your health and well-being
- Take time to unwind
- Recognize when you need more help
Source: Farm State of Mind
Mental Health Resources
External links to content developed by third parties do not necessarily represent the views of the National Pork Board.
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- Rural and Farm Hotlines
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Iowa Concern Hotline for Rural and Farm Individuals
- Iowa Concern Hotline is a 24-hour a day, 7-day a week free, confidential resource for anyone with concerns or questions about farm finances, crisis and disaster response and personal health issues. Access to an attorney is also available to help provide legal education.
- 1-800-447-1985
Farm Financial Counseling
- Extension farm financial experts from areas like banking and farm business management education provide free, one-on-one financial counseling to farmers who are experiencing financial stress.
- 1-800-232-9077
Minnesota Farm & Rural Helpline
- Free, confidential, 24/7. This call center is located in Minnesota. Calls are answered by trained staff and volunteers.
- 833-600-2670 x 1
Minnesota Rural Mental Health Specialists
- Ted and Monica work with farmers throughout Minnesota. The service is available from Minnesota Legislature funds. While you are welcome to contact either Monica or Ted, Monica generally serves the area north of Highway 12 (which runs from Ortonville through Willmar to the Twin Cities) and Ted generally serves the area south of Highway 12.
- Ted Matthews: 320-266-2390
- Monica McConkey: 218-280-7785
The Wisconsin Farm Center
- The Wisconsin Farm Center offer confidential services to Wisconsin farmers, Monday-Friday, 7:45 a.m.– 4:30 p.m.
- 1-800-942-2474
Farm Aid Farmer Mental Health Hotline
- Farmer Services staff answer the hotline Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. eastern time.
- 1-800-327-6243
- Website
- National Organization Resources
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AgrAbility
American Farm Bureau Federation
American Farm Bureau Federation
National Farmers Union
Rural Health Information (RHI) Hub
- University & Extension Resources
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Michigan State University Extension
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Women in Agriculture Program
North Dakota State University Extension
South Dakota State University
University of Minnesota Extension
Upper Midwest Center for Agricultural Safety and Health
