Farmer and rancher mental health has been in the news the past few years, with farmer suicide rates alarmingly high. Farmers and ranchers are often seen as the embodiment of the American ideal -- the rugged individualist who is self-sufficient, doesn't need help, lives on the land, doesn't have problems . . . but the stresses of modern farming, especially financial stresses, leave many feeling hopeless and helpless. Don McMoran and Kristen Hinton-Vanvalkenburg discuss programs to help farmers and their families deal productively with the stressors and with mental health challenges unique to farming.

There are several signs or symptoms to look for when stress has begun to take an effect on you or someone you know. If you see something, say something!

Thoughts of hurting oneself

Care of Livestock Declines

Increase in Agriculture-Related Accidents

Appearance of Farmstead Declines

Children Show Signs of Stress

Lack of energy/motivation to do usual tasks

Loss of interest in favorite activities

Alcohol and/or substance abuse/addiction

Withdrawal from others

Relational tension

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

WSU Extension Suicide Prevention. https://extension.wsu.edu/skagit/suicide-prevention/. WSU and the Agricultural Suicide Prevention Program is not a crisis center. IF YOU ARE IN NEED OF IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE, reach out to the National Suicide Prevention line, 1(800) 273-TALK (8255).

Western Regional Agricultural Stress Assistance Center. https://farmstress.us/

National AgrAbility Project. http://www.agrability.org/

Hanna Ranch, the movie: https://www.amdoc.org/watch/hanna-ranch/

and here: https://www.amazon.com/Hanna-Ranch-Mitch-Dickman/dp/B00KIGQLEK

TRANSCRIPT: https://bit.ly/3qTwZ9x