Why We Need to Keep Talking About Farm Stress

Why is mental health an important topic to the ag community? Why is the month of May dedicated to raising awareness about mental health? When you look for answers, you may end up heartbroken. Before you continue reading, it is important to remember that the number of deaths by suicide, and therefore the rank of suicide as a cause of death in the United States, will vary from year to year. Did you know that more people die by suicide than by homicide?¹ In 2021, suicide ranked 11th as a cause of death in the United States; it ranked 2nd as a leading cause of death for the age group 10-34 and 5th for the age group 35-54.² Suicides are on the rise. From 2000 to 2021, the suicide rate has increased by 36%.³ Based on 2018 data, it was estimated that one person dies by suicide every 10.9 minutes, and one attempt (no fatal outcome) occurs every 26 seconds.⁴ 

The national suicide average is 14.1 per 100,000 population;⁵ however, there are marked differences in suicide rates between males and females, rural and urban areas; and according to race/ethnicity, age, and occupational groups. In a closer examination of the suicide rates among occupational groups, a study published in 2020 revealed the suicide rate for farmers, ranchers, and ag managers was 43.7 deaths per 100,000 population, a rate significantly higher than that of the overall population and the 6th highest rate among occupational groups.⁶

Although farming is not the occupation with the highest rate of suicide, being in the top ten raises a red flag and leads to questions such as: What is happening? What can we do to stop it? What are the risk factors associated with farmer suicide? A recent study focusing on farmer suicides summarized data from 40 states from 2003 to 2018 ⁷. The analysis included farmers, ranchers, and agricultural managers within crop and animal production. The results indicated that more than 90% of the total 1935 deaths corresponded to males, which is expected because it reflects the current constitution of the agricultural workforce. More than 70% of the suicides occurred by firearm. The average age of males was 61 years old, and 53 years old for female farmers. Among many variables, the authors looked at all demographic data, history of suicidal thoughts and attempts; financial and legal problems; physical health; interpersonal and job problems; mental health and depression; and alcohol and substance abuse. There were no clear risk factors for farmer suicide; however, the most prevalent circumstance among farmers was physical health problems, which was higher in the 65 and older category (54%).⁷ 

Determining the main driver for farmer suicide may involve more layers of complexity. For example, a study conducted in the Midwest found that self-blame is a risk factor for suicide among farmers. In their article, the authors explain that farmers internalize their struggles, feel hopeless, and believe they deserve the negative outcome, which influences self-esteem and leads to shame ⁸. One conclusion from this study is that farmers have a higher rate of depression, anxiety, and suicide risk.⁸

We work in agriculture, and we have great admiration and respect for farmers. From the outside, farming may seem like a job everyone would want because of being your own boss, enjoying the outdoors, being a land steward, and feeding the world. However, farming is a stressful profession, and building and maintaining a farm operation comes at economic and mental costs. Farmers are exposed to situations that put their physical health (i.e., injuries, tractor accidents) and mental health (i.e., divorce, alcohol) at risk. External factors like changes in the climate, market fluctuations, rising input costs, and legislation are additional challenges farmers face that may affect their mental health. Furthermore, mental health services are limited or nonexistent in rural areas, where most farms are located.

While researchers and health professionals work to unravel the complexities of farmer suicides, what can we do to help? If you are a farmer, or work with farmers, call your farmer friends and ask them how they are doing. Listen… really listen to them. You may detect warning signs during your conversation. If you think they may be suffering from depression, anxiety, and going through rough times and or a crisis, put them in contact with professionals who can help:

• The AgriStress Helpline (call or text 833-897-2474) is available 24/7. It provides mental health support through assessing immediate needs, for example, the potential for self-harm. The Helpline is attended by professionals trained in the issues faced by farmers and farm workers.
• The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a national network that provides free and confidential support 24/7. Dial the three-digit code 988 to access the Helpline. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have hearing loss, there is a chat option on their website. For TTY users, use your preferred relay service or dial 711 and then 988.

Simple acts of kindness, like listening, can go a long way. If we can help one person, we are also helping his/her entire family and their community.

References

1. CDC. National Center for Health Statistics. Assault or homicide.
2. Garnett MF, and Curtin SC. (2023). Suicide mortality in the United States, 2001–2021. NCHS Data Brief, no 464. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. 2023. DOI: 10.15620/cdc:125705.
3. CDC. National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. Suicide prevention. Facts about suicide.
4. Drapeau CW and McIntosh JL. (2020). U.S.A. suicide: 2018 Official final data. Washington, DC: American Association of Suicidology. Downloaded on February 12, 2020.
5. Stone DM, Mack KA, and Qualters J.  (2023) Notes from the Field: Recent Changes in Suicide Rates, by Race and Ethnicity and Age Group -United States, 2021 Weekly 72:160–162. 
6. Peterson C, Sussell A, Li J, Schumacher PK, Yeoman K, and Stone DM. (2020). Suicide Rates by Industry and Occupation — National Violent Death Reporting System, 32 States, 2016. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 69:57–62. DOI:10.15585/mmwr.mm6903a1external icon
7. Miller CDM, and Rudolphi JM (2022). Characteristics of suicide among farmers and ranchers: using the CDC NVDRS 2003–2018. Am J Ind Med. 65: 675- 689. doi:10.1002/ajim.23399
8. Bjornestad A, Cuthbertson C, and Hendricks J. (2021). An Analysis of Suicide Risk Factors among Farmers in the Midwestern United States. Int J Environ Res Public Health 18:3563. DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18073563