2. Promote self-care: Encourage farmers to take care of themselves physically and mentally. Encourage them to prioritize sleep, healthy eating, and exercise. Also, encourage them to take breaks and engage in activities they enjoy.
3. Offer support: Farmers may feel isolated and alone, so offer support in the form of mental health services, support groups, or peer support programs. Provide them with resources and information on mental health services that are available in their area. Wisconsin farmers can reach out to the Wisconsin Farm Center for a wide variety of free and confidential resources: 1-800-942-2474.
4. Provide education: Educate yourself on the signs and symptoms of extreme stress, anxiety, depression, and mental illness. UW- Madison Division of Extension has programs that teach you about mental health. You can learn more about these programs from this article: Addressing Farmer Stress and Mental Health with Mental Health First Aid, QPR and other programs.
5. Advocate for change: Advocate for policies and programs that support the mental health of farmers, such as access to mental health services, financial assistance programs, and resources for coping with stress and anxiety.
By raising awareness and providing support, we can help farmers prioritize their mental health and well-being, and promote a healthy and sustainable agricultural industry.
