Tough Enough to Talk About It: Mental Health in Agriculture
Breaking the Silence: Mental Health and Suicide Awareness in Agriculture
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and there’s no better time to have tough but vital conversations about mental health in the agricultural world. In this powerful and heartfelt Farm4Profit podcast episode, we welcome experts from the Purdue Extension Office to shine a light on mental health and suicide prevention in farming communities.
The Hidden Struggles of Rural Life
Farming isn’t just a job—it’s a lifestyle, and one that comes with unique stressors. From volatile commodity markets and unpredictable weather to financial strain, isolation, and long hours, these pressures often weigh heavily on farmers and ranchers. Too often, these struggles are endured in silence, leading to higher risks of depression, anxiety, and suicide.
Our guests from Purdue Extension discuss why mental health is just as important as physical health, especially in rural and agricultural communities where stigma and limited access to mental health care create additional barriers to support.
“Farmers are the backbone of our food system, but they’re also human. They deserve care, compassion, and access to resources.”
Recognizing the Warning Signs
In this episode, you’ll learn how to recognize early signs of mental distress—not just in yourself, but in others. Our guests share real-world strategies for:
Identifying changes in behavior, speech, and mood
Starting supportive conversations when you're concerned
Navigating moments of crisis with empathy and action
Whether you're a farmer, family member, ag business owner, or community leader, this conversation is a call to be more aware, more informed, and more connected.
Purdue Extension: A Lifeline for Rural Mental Health
Through Purdue Extension, individuals can access a variety of mental health education programs, including:
Mental Health First Aid training
QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) suicide prevention workshops
Stress management for farmers and ranchers
Local resources and referrals tailored to rural needs
Their mission is to empower rural communities to talk openly about mental health and build stronger, more resilient support systems.
Mental Health is a Community Issue
Mental health isn’t just personal—it’s communal. When one farmer suffers, the entire ag community feels the impact. As our guests emphasize, breaking the stigma around mental health can lead to stronger relationships, safer farms, and a healthier future for all.
This episode is a reminder: You are not alone. Help is available. Seeking help is not a weakness—it’s a sign of strength.
🎧 Listen to the full episode now
💬 Get Involved
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📱 Follow us for more content & support:
📧 Contact us: Farm4profitllc@gmail.com
📞 Call or Text: 515.207.9640
🌐 Website: www.Farm4Profit.com
🧠 Important Mental Health Resources
National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
Farm Stress Hotline: 1-800-FARM-AID
Rural Resilience Training
Let’s continue to have real conversations. Let’s support one another. Let’s normalize taking care of our mental health.
