Harvesting Well-Being: Navigating Mental Health in Wisconsin’s Farming Community

In Wisconsin alone, there are approximately 64,000 farmers, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Farming in itself brings a set of unique challenges, including the unpredictability of weather patterns, crop economy, and changing demand for produce. Wisconsin farmers are no stranger to stress, but chronic stress can lead to a cumulative effect on physical and mental health. As a particularly stoic community, farmers may feel they can’t talk about stress, depression, or anxiety, but according to research trends, it is estimated that over 200 million farmers currently struggle with mental health concerns.

Specific stressors, such as losing the family farm, financial issues, unpredictable crop yields linked to climate change, and labor shortages are among the top issues facing farmers today. Additionally, exposures to pesticides, trade disruptions, and natural disasters can further make life difficult for farmers to provide a stable living for themselves and their families. A recent Centers for Disease control study found that male farmers had an overall higher incidence of suicide than other males who were non-farmers. Despite these alarming statistics, stigma continues to be a major barrier in accessing mental health care for farmers; seeking support for stress, anxiety, or depression within the farming community can sometimes be seen as a weakness, furthering the “bootstraps” mentality that prevents farmers from seeking help. Also, living in a rural agricultural community can be isolating as well, as many mental health services are not positioned in rural towns. However, telehealth and farmer helplines have made it easier to access mental health services without the pressure of driving hundreds of miles to reach a clinic or another human being to talk to.

Living and building a career out of farming can be isolating, as you are never really able to leave work behind – it is always there, outside your window. However, it’s hard to pour from an empty cup; in other words, it’s important to take time to take care of yourself so that you can be present to take care of the animals, the crops, and the millions of other things that call your attention. Within the past decade, the conversation around farmers’ mental health has been slowly changing. The University of Wisconsin’s Farm Management (Farm Management) has a number of resources on their website, from online courses in crop insurance to workshops for Hmoob/Hmong farmers to managing stress specific to farming. There are also other resources out there to support your emotional well-being, including TUGS (Talking, Understanding, Growing, Supporting – Talking, Understanding, Growing, Supporting), Circle Sisters (support specifically for farm and rural women), and a 24/7 Wisconsin Farmer Wellness Helpline (888-901-2558).

Managing stress and burnout while also managing a farm and a family can feel isolating and, at times, debilitating. It’s important to recognize the signs of chronic stress or depression/anxiety, including fatigue, restlessness, consistent sadness, difficulty making decisions, concentration problems, and chronic irritability. There are factors that will help to relieve stress include the presence of a supportive family or community, leaving the farm to take a break or engage in a non-farm hobby, and seeking therapy or the advice of an objective person can help you feel heard and understood. 

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