MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Farmers and ranchers facing financial uncertainty, demanding schedules and factors beyond their control are being encouraged to recognize signs of mental health struggles and seek support.
Jennifer Schreiner with Horizons Mental Health said agricultural producers experience many of the same challenges as others, including depression, anxiety, grief and loss. However, those problems often occur within the unique pressures of farming.
Weather, commodity prices, input costs and political decisions can all affect agricultural operations, even though producers have little control over them.
“There are just things that are out of the farmer’s hands that they can’t control that just make it really, really hard,” Schreiner said.
Financial pressure can become especially difficult when farmland has remained in a family for generations. Producers may feel responsible for preserving that legacy while also supporting their families.
Some farmers take second jobs to make ends meet but must continue caring for crops or livestock before and after work. Schreiner described farming as a seven-day-a-week job that can leave little time for family activities, rest or personal reflection.
“Farmers are really great at trying to get through their day,” Schreiner said. “They might push off, or they might not recognize the signs that they’re not doing well.”
Schreiner said agricultural families have traditionally been reluctant to seek mental health services. That attitude may reflect both demanding schedules and a belief that they should endure hardships as earlier generations did. However, she said more farming families have sought help in recent years.
Friends and relatives should watch for changes such as sleeping too much or too little, increased irritability or negativity, greater use of alcohol or other substances, reduced communication and withdrawal from family or community activities.
If someone notices those changes, Schreiner recommends beginning a direct but caring conversation. That could include inviting the person for coffee, visiting their home or simply asking whether something is wrong.
“A cup of coffee goes a long way,” Schreiner said.
She said gatherings at local coffee shops or farm cooperatives can provide farmers with valuable opportunities to discuss their problems with people facing similar pressures. If someone stops attending those gatherings, friends should consider reaching out.
Physical exhaustion, pain, poor nutrition and lack of sleep can also contribute to declining mental health.
“If you’re not feeling good physically, you’re not going to feel good mentally,” Schreiner said.
Anyone seeking mental health services through Horizons Mental Health may call 620-663-7595. Schreiner said assistance is available to people of any age.