Farmers and Suicide
Farming can be stressful in the best of times. Financial worries, unpredictable weather, plant pests, livestock diseases, and isolation all contribute to farmers’ anxiety. Severe depression and suicidal thoughts can be common in our day and age. If you are concerned about yourself or about somebody else, help is available.
Many of the factors that affect agricultural production are largely beyond the control of the producer. Good health, including mental health, is a key factor that contributes to one’s ability to keep farming.
Twenty percent of any population has mental health complications, including farmers and ranchers. Stigma and privacy concerns associated with mental health issues may mean that many people do not seek out available behavioral health services.
For agricultural populations, stressful events might include:
- Financial concerns (ie: equipment purchases, borrowing for farm operations, mortgages or rent, insurance)
- Personal or family concerns (ie: death of someone close, illness, marital relationships, family demands)
- Work-related injuries
- Change in farm policies
- Chemical exposure
- Loss of crop or livestock
- Weather
Warning Signs indicating a person may be at risk to harm self or others include:
- Talk of suicide
- Changes in sleep and/or eating patterns
- Stopped taking medication as prescribed or hoarding medication
- Increased use of drugs or alcohol
- Preoccupation with death
- Making last arrangements, giving away possessions
- Obtaining firearms
- Withdrawal from family, friends and routines that were pleasurable
- Aggressive and disruptive behavior
- Increased irritability and criticism
- History of suicide of family member or friend
Publications About This Population
Agricultural Producers & Stress — When Do You Need a Counselor?
By Randy Weigel, University of Wyoming Cooperative Extension Service
The Personal Nature of Agriculture: Men Seeking Help
By Randy Weigel, University of Wyoming Cooperative Extension Service
Explores how men’s upbringing makes seeking help a challenge, the social and family barriers to seeking help and the characteristics of helping professionals who work well with men reluctant to seek help and what men can do to help themselves.
STRESS Act Introduced to Address Farmer Suicide
By Natlina Sents, Successful Farming at Agriculture.com
TSPN Farmers Suicide Awareness & Education Resources
Are you feeling desperate, alone or hopeless?
Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), a free, 24-hour hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.
Or text
TN to
741741 to connect to the Crisis Text Line and a trained counselor.
If you are concerned about yourself or about somebody else, call the crisis hotline to be connected to your closest crisis center. This information can be found in our Regional Information Tab.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
The Lifeline is a free 24/7, confidential, short-term crisis counseling line for those experiencing distress. It is a myth that 988 is only for suicidal individuals; it is available to everyone. Call, text, or chat 988 if you are overwhelmed, stressed, and need to talk with a trained counselor.
This project is funded under a grant contract with the State of Tennessee, Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.