Farmer Angel Network: Supporting Farmers in Difficult Times
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November 20th is International Survivors of Suicide Day. We wanted to share the story of one group formed to support farmers & families during one such difficult time.
In the fall of 2018, the Sauk County community pulled together after a farmer died by suicide. During this challenging time, community members reached out to the family to comfort, support, and listen as they worked through the emotions that followed. As some community members chatted about the extreme sadness and feeling of helplessness surrounding the family and community, a farmer shared they had also suffered from severe depression and battled many thoughts of suicide in the past.
At this point, they realized there was a need to support the community and families in similar situations. During the winter months, they created a safe space to come together and talk about farm stress and suicide over the lunch hour. They brought in speakers and resources to listen to and utilize during these difficult times. The farmer's family and other community members decided to share their stories to help others learn about farm stress and mental health concerns in rural communities, and Farmer Angel Network was formed.
The Farmer Angel Network continues to build strong rural communities that support agriculture by providing education, resources, and fellowship. You can find them on Facebook.
{Thank you to Alana Voss, Agricultural Educator, UW-Madison, Division of Extension for this article and the resources below.}
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Featured ResourcesHelping survivors of suicide
Helping a survivor of suicide can be difficult, but help is available:
Be That One - Helping a Friend Who Has Lost a Loved One to Suicide
Strategies for helping a friend, including what to say, active listening tips, and comments to avoid. (From University of Texas)
Left behind after suicide
An article that explains why suicide is different from other deaths and shares information on getting professional help, as well as tips for helping others.
(From Harvard Health)
I've lost someone
A page for survivors from The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Includes a resource & healing guide, practical information for immediately after a loss, and many more resources and opportunities for support.
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Social Media FeatureGive Yourself Space to Grieve
Our social media feature for November will be pinned at the top of the Resilient Farms & Families Facebook Page until the end of the month. Please take a minute to share on your Facebook page!
Suicide can have an impact on everyone, including the friends and family left behind. If you are a survivor of suicide loss, make sure to give yourself space to grieve and know that healing looks different for everyone. To find support, reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional. You can access free, confidential mental health support by contacting the 24/7 Wisconsin Farmer Wellness Helpline at 888-901-2558
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Featured Event: Suicide prevention program training
SafeTalk and QPR are both suicide prevention programs to help people recognize and respond to mental health crises. Being trained in one of these methods can help save lives. Below are some options for receiving this training:
AgriSafe regularly offers virtual QPR training. See their events schedule for upcoming sessions.
The Southwestern Wisconsin Behavioral Health Partnership offers in-person SafeTalk workshops in the Southwest corner of the state. See their events schedule for more information.
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