Wisconsin Farmers Struggle with Mental Health

MADISON, Wis. (CIVIC MEDIA) – Family farms face economic forces and personal hazards making it harder to get by each year.

Farmers are 3 times more likely to die by suicide than the general population. It’s a problem touching many communities in the state. From the pressures of running and sustaining a farm to difficulties with the economy, farmers feel abundant stressors in their day-to-day lives. Like dropping milk prices and the rising costs, to the weather, breakdowns, or other hard luck farm families face together.

Between 2012 and 2016, research from the National Library of Medicine shows that 73 farmers died in our state by suicide, most of whom were white males. Four themes were identified in the analysis: physical health issues, grief from loss of relationships, ready access to firearms in rural Wisconsin, and the burden of farming and the farm.

On Monday, agriculture workers and professionals gathered to address this problem at Western Wisconsin Health in Baldwin. It was through an event sponsored by UW-Madison’s Division of Extension and the Farmer Angel Network of Western Wisconsin.

Those involved with the summit said recognizing the signs of stress, taking action and having resources to share can help you support those around you.

Mental health resources for farmers:

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 24/7 phone or text access to trained crisis counselors who can help people in crisis and their loved ones with mental health-related distress.
• Wisconsin Department of Ag, Trade & Consumer Protection’s Farmer Wellness Program has:
  • 24/7 WI Farmer Wellness Helpline: Around-the-clock support for farmers struggling with suicidal thoughts, depression, or anxiety. 1-888-901-2558
  • Tele-Counseling: free, confidential counseling sessions by licensed mental health professionals. Available by phone or video. 1-888-901-2558
  • Counseling Vouchers: for in-person counseling services from a participating mental health provider in their area at no cost. 1-800-942-2474.
  • Wisconsin Farm Center has financial consulting, transition planning, mediation & arbitration, veteran farmer assistance & outreach, and herd-based diagnostics programs. 1-800-942-2474
• Harvest of Hope: Farm families can apply for financial assistance to pay for utilities that are being shut off and other bills. Call 608-836-1455.
• Covering Wisconsin connects Wisconsin residents with health insurance coverage and other programs for health.
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is a free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referral and information service for people and families facing mental and/or substance use disorder. 1-800-662-4357.