Overall Farmer Health Fact Sheet
DESCRIPTION
The objective is to provide basic information regarding the overall health of farmers and how to get help if needed.
OVERVIEW
Recently, farmer health has taken a new focus other than day-to-day hazards on the farm. This new focus includes drug abuse and a stern look at mental health based on the tolling past growing seasons. On average, farmers and ranchers have suicide rates 3.5 times higher than the general population (Chadde, 2020). If you or a loved one needs help, please do not be afraid to ask for it. We are all in this together.
CLUES WHEN IDENTIFYING A MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS
• A decline in care of crops, animals, and farm
• Deterioration of personal appearance
• Increasing life insurance policy
• Withdrawing from social events, family, and friends
• Change in mood or routine
• Increase in farm accidents
• Feeling trapped with no way out
• Difficulty sleeping
• Increases in drug or alcohol use
3/4 farmers and farmworkers have been affected by opioid abuse directly
3/4 farmers say it is easy to obtain opioid pain killers without having a prescription
2/5 farmers believe they could find adequate help for an addiction
National Suicide Hotline
800-273-8255
