YOUR TEXAS AGRICULTURE MINUTE
It's a Farm State of Mind
By Gary Joiner
Publisher
Farm life can be demanding and stressful. It has reached a critical stage with pandemic impacts on top of natural disasters, extreme weather events and financial pressures.
It’s no surprise that more farmers and farm families are experiencing stress and mental health concerns. More than half of farmers and ranchers responding to a recent national survey say they are personally experiencing more mental health challenges than they were a year ago.
May is Mental Health Month. Here are some warning signs to help identify a farmer or rancher who may be at risk:
- Change in routines or social activities
- Decline in the care of domestic animals
- Increase in illness or other chronic conditions
- Increase in farm accidents
- Decline in appearance of the farmstead
- Decreased interest in activities or events
- Signs of stress in children, including struggles with school
There are resources available to help. Check out the Farm State of Mind resources page on the American Farm Bureau Federation's website.
Starting a conversation is the key.
The preceding commentary is brought to you by Texas Farm Bureau, the “Voice of Texas Agriculture.” Called “Your Texas Agriculture Minute,” TFB will issue thought-provoking editorials each week—via print and audio—to spark understanding of agriculture in the Lone Star State and its impact on each and every Texan.
Media outlets: This content may be used without further permission.