Spotlight on Rural Mental Health
Mental Health Information and Resources for Farmers, Ranchers and Their Families
Mental health isn't an easy topic to talk about, no matter where you live. It can be especially difficult in rural areas because of the stigma surrounding it. Yet, it's a critical issue that needs to be addressed.
Farmers and ranchers face unique challenges beyond their control, causing significant stress that can lead to anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. Extreme weather events can damage or wipe out entire crops, and injure or kill livestock. Crop and livestock prices can fall to levels that don't cover the cost of production. Government regulations can add extra costs and paperwork to the business. Input costs can skyrocket, eroding hard-earned revenue.
Rural culture teaches us to tough it out during these trying times and to pull ourselves up by our bootstraps. That attitude can serve us well when it comes to tackling the daily tasks associated with farming and ranching. But, when it comes to our mental health, and our overall health for that matter, going it alone can have disastrous -- even fatal -- consequences.
We hope the stories and resources on this page provide you with useful information on how to maintain your mental wellness through challenging times, recognize when something is wrong and find the appropriate help when needed. We also hope it helps spur an open, shame-free conversation among farmers, ranchers and their families about this important topic.
Mental Health Terms to KnowThere are many terms associated with mental health and the services out there that exist to help -- but what do they mean? Understanding these terms and resources is crucial for promoting mental health awareness, reducing stigma, and facilitating access to appropriate mental health services and support.
Click here for an explanation of some of these important mental health terms: https://www.dtnpf.com/…
List of Mental Health ResourcesIf you're facing a crisis on your farm or ranch or struggling to cope with the emotional pressures of business, family or some difficult life situation, you're not alone. Help is just a phone call, text or online chat away. In this list of resources, you can find emergency contact information for those who may be having thoughts of suicide or are facing a mental health crisis, national groups and organizations that can provide support and treatment referrals for mental health issues and addiction, and mental health support services for youth. There are also links to other sites where you can search for mental health services in your own state.
Click here for the list of rural mental health resources: https://www.dtnpf.com/…
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Progressive Farmer Special Issue on Rural Mental HealthProgressive Farmer devoted its May 2024 issue to helping farmers, ranchers and their families manage their mental wellness when dealing with the unique challenges of farming and ranching. In this issue, you'll find stories examining the unique mental health challenges that people in rural areas face, advice on recognizing the warning signs of mental distress and how to get professional help, as well as personal stories from farmers who have struggled with and overcome mental health challenges.
-- We'd Like To Mention: "It's Time to End the Stigma Surrounding Rural Mental Health"Staying silent on mental health issues can have devastating consequences. It's time to end the stigma surrounding this critical issue and help bring rays of hope to those who are struggling.
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The stigma surrounding the topic of mental health and a scarcity of health care professionals pose challenges to mental health care in rural America, but the outlook is gradually improving.
-- "Don't Suffer in Silence"Two farmers who have struggled with and overcome their own mental health issues urge other farmers and ranchers to talk about mental health and reach out to others in their community who may be struggling.
-- "Letter to Ag on Mental Health"In an open letter to the ag community, Ohio farmer Nathan Brown urges farmers and ranchers to speak the truth about mental health and break the stigma.
-- "Teen Mental Health Challenges"Obstacles and solutions abound in rural youth mental health.
-- "Navigate the Mental Health Maze"Though mental health services are fewer and far between in many rural areas, they can still be found with some extra effort and knowledge of how to navigate the system.
-- "Clergy Fill Mental Health Gaps"Training programs empower rural clergy and other community leaders to respond to mental health crises.
-- "Suicide Prevention"The simple act of reaching out to someone at risk of suicide can save their life. Training programs are available that can help people build the confidence to take that lifesaving step.
-- "Mental Health Help for Rural Veterans"Addressing mental health challenges among rural veterans involves improving access to mental health services, raising awareness about resources, reducing stigma and providing targeted support.
-- "Gender Differences Exist in Farmer Emotional Health"The triple workload of home, farm and, often, off-farm employment, creates a unique set of stressors for farm women.
-- Inside the Market: "Falling Crop Prices Add to Farm Stress"Spend time thinking ahead about worst-case scenarios and how to protect yourself from market fluctuations, not just financially, but also emotionally.
-- Businesslink: "Be Mindful of a Mother's Mental Health"It's estimated that one in 10 mothers suffer from postpartum depression, although there's research suggesting it's probably more common. Like many mental health conditions, it often goes undiagnosed and untreated.
-- Family Business Matters: "Keystones of Mental Health: Unlock the Power of Emotions"Recognizing, understanding, labeling, expressing and regulating our emotions can not only improve our mental health, but also our relationships, our physical health and our performance in our family businesses.
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Updated News Coverage on Rural Mental Health Issues-- "Federal Bills Boost Mental Health Funds in Rural US Amid Rising Farm Stresses," https://www.dtnpf.com/… (7/15/2025)
-- "Free Online Course Helps Veterinarians, Ag Workers Look for Signs of Mental Health Issues," https://www.dtnpf.com/… (9/29/2024)
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