WYOMING – According to the National Library of Medicine, farmers have suicide rates much higher than the general population. 

The report indicates farmers and those in the agriculture industry experience elevated mental health symptoms and high stress levels. Agriculture workers are hard-to-reach due to occupational demands and conversations about mental health can be stigmatizing. In the library’s research, subjects identified barriers of time, cultural stigma.

“Financial pressure is commonly associated with rural farmer stress and is strongly associated with poor mental health. Farmers face significant challenges managing purchase or rent of land, reduction in sales due to tariff regulations, falling commodity prices and rising farm equipment prices. External factors beyond economic considerations also impact farmers’ financial well-being as increasing severe weather events threaten crops and livestock. These considerations have created inconsistent cash flow making it difficult for farmers to pay their loans and maintain neutral or marginal profitability,” the National Rural Health Association explained.

Agriculture workers in Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Missouri, Montana, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Wyoming now have access to a crisis support, AgriStress Helpline.

“The AgriStress Helpline is a free and confidential crisis and support line that you can call or text 24/7. Phone calls have interpretation available in 160 languages and text message services are available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. The helpline is answered by trained professionals who can offer support and help you find mental health and agriculture – related resources in your area. We know that agriculture is unique – that is why our crisis specialists have received training on the factors that impact people working in agriculture,” AgriSafe explained. “VIA LINK, the crisis call center that answers the line, is accredited by the American Association of Suicidology (AAS) and Inform USA (formerly known as the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems).”

According to AgriStress, the crisis specialists have extra training to have a better understanding of the culture, values, stressors and lived experiences of the agriculture industry. 

“In addition, crisis specialists have access to a state specific curated database of agricultural and health resources,” AgriStress explained. 

According to AgriStress, maintaining good health is a key factor to keeping working and mental health should be included into that equation. Working in agriculture often means long hours of working alone. 

“Social and geographical isolation, weather variability (such as extreme droughts or flash floods), limited access to health services, and fluctuating commodity prices have a direct impact on ag workers’ mental health. Stigma and privacy concerns associated with mental health may mean that many people do not seek out available behavioral health services. Knowing that the people who answer the AgriStress Helpline understand the unique stressors and situations of agriculture, forestry, and fishing, can lower some of those barriers and might encourage the industry workers to reach out,” AgriStress explained. 

AgriStress is available by text or call at 833-897-2474.

“When you call or text the line, you will be connected with a crisis intervention specialist who is ready to listen, provide emotional support, or provide you with resources. All callers will be offered a 24-hour follow-up call if they so prefer,” AgriStress explained. “Anyone living in Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Missouri, Montana, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Washington, or Wyoming can call the helpline. We will not turn any callers away.”

If you or someone you know is struggling, text or call at 833-897-2474.