Mental Health Resources
Farming is more than a livelihood. It’s a way of life, and sometimes, it’s a heavy load to carry.
We're here to remind you that you’re not alone. Support, understanding, and real help are always within reach.
Mental Health Resources for You
There’s so much to love about farm life. For many, it’s hard to imagine living any other way. But farming also comes with a unique set of stressors and during hard times, it’s not uncommon to feel alone and anxious.
Today’s farmers are faced with trade wars, natural disasters, changing weather patterns, declining commodity prices, labor shortages, impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and more. Farmers aren’t the only ones negatively impacted. Our partners in the agriculture industry, from seed dealers to ag lenders, and our neighbors in our rural communities can also find themselves dealing with stress. No one is immune.
Research from the American Farm Bureau Federation shows that most farmers say financial issues, farm or business problems, and fear of losing the farm greatly impacts their mental health. A national poll conducted by AFBF released in Jan. 2021 showed that more than half of the farmers and farmworkers who responded were personally experiencing more mental health challenges than they were in the year prior.
At Indiana Farm Bureau, we’re focused on supporting the livelihood and wellbeing of each and every member of the state’s agriculture industry. This includes connecting our members with resources to help them deal with stress and anxiety and advice for helping colleagues, neighbors, friends or family do the same. We are stronger together.
Why this matters to you
- Many farmers report that financial pressures, business uncertainties and fear of loss deeply impact mental health.
- These concerns don’t only affect farm owners – they touch coworkers, suppliers, lenders, rural neighbors and families too.
- By recognizing the signs of stress early and accessing support, we can protect ourselves, our families, and our farms.
Spotting the warning signs
Stress doesn’t always announce itself. It can build slowly—and before you realize, it’s affecting your farm, home or family. According to NY FarmNet, the main warning signs of stress in farmers are:
Change in routines: Farmers or members of the farm family may stop attending regular meetings or religious activities, drop out of other groups, or fail to stop at the local coffee shop or feed mill.
Decline in the care of domestic animals: Livestock or pets may not be cared for in the usual way.
Increase in illness: Farmers or farm family members may experience more upper respiratory illnesses (cold, flu) or other chronic conditions (aches, pains, persistent cough, migraines).
Increase in farm accidents: The risk of farm accidents increases with fatigue or loss of ability to concentrate. Children may be at risk if there isn’t alternative child care.
Decline in appearance of farmstead: The farm family no longer takes pride in the way farm buildings and grounds appear.
Signs of stress in children: Farm children may act out, show a decline in academic performance, or be increasingly absent from school. They also may show signs of physical abuse or neglect, or become depressed.
Decreased interest: Farmers or farm families may be less willing to commit to future activities, sign up for gatherings, or show interest in community events.
If you recognize any of these in yourself, a family member or neighbor—it’s a signal to reach out and connect.
Available support for you
When your livelihood is in many ways dependent on factors outside of your control, short-term stress can easily turn into chronic stress. Chronic stress takes a serious toll on a person’s overall health and wellness. Below are several nationally-recognized resources to help you manage the many risks to your mental health.
AFBF Farm Stress Training Available On-Demand
Recognizing the high levels of stress affecting America’s farmers and ranchers, Farm Credit, American Farm Bureau Federation and National Farmers Union partnered to create a rural resilience training. The training provides value to anyone who is under stress and is designed for individuals who interact with farmers and ranchers, providing the skills to:
Understand the sources of stress,
Identify effective communication strategies,
Reduce stigma related to mental health; and
Learn the warning signs of stress and suicide.
Any Farm Bureau member may register for the free online training here.
AFBF Partnership with Togetherall
Togetherall is an anonymous peer-to-peer online community that empowers farmers and their families to get and give support. Here you will find:
Supportive Community: Using an anonymous profile, connect and share in a safe space with others who understand. Join the Agricultural Group!
Immediate Access: Whatever’s on your mind, you can access Togetherall in minutes, 24/7. The community is moderated around the clock by real, live, licensed clinicians.
Wellbeing Tools: Benefit from self-assessments and courses to help you understand how you are feeling.
In addition, personal wellbeing and life event support services are available through our partner Personal Assistance Services (PAS) and accessible through Togetherall. These services include family and individual counseling provided by agriculturally competent rural mental health professionals. Watch to learn more.
These resources are made available free-of-charge for farmers and farm family members (16+) because of the generous support and collaboration of the Farm Family Wellness Alliance partners.
Click here to create a Togetherall account.
In April 2024, INFB hosted a webinar with AFBF and Togetherall to walk through these resources. To view that webinar, click the button below, fill out the brief form and find the call in the provided playlist.
Michigan State University Extension Resilient Minds Resources
If you’re concerned about yourself, a family member, a friend or a neighbor, MSU Extension has resources that can help. Below is a list of trusted, evidence-based education and expertise to create resilient farms and resilient minds.
Learn more about the many resources available from Michigan State University Extension here.
Farm Aid’s Collection of Farm Crisis Resources
Farm Aid’s focus is assisting farmers through a crisis or disaster – big or small. They’ve compiled many resources to help a farmer through the toughest of times, including a guide to farm disaster assistance, access to legal assistance during tough times and support for socially disadvantaged or disabled farmers and minority farmers. Learn more and check out these resources on the Farm Aid website.
Rural Health Information Hub Resources
The Rural Health Information Hub released a video that looks at the stressors farmers face, including difficult economic conditions and extreme weather. Experts discuss warning signs of suicide and how communities can help farmers and their families address mental health concerns. Watch the video now.
If things feel urgent…
If you’re having thoughts of self-harm, noticing severe depression, or just can’t take it anymore—please reach out now. Call 911 for emergencies. Or consider:
Call 1-800-FARM-AID (1-800-327-6243) for an advocate who understands farming life.
24/7 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK.
Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website for help with substance use, disasters and rural-specific stress.
No one expects you to handle this alone. You matter. Your farm matters. Your community matters. And as a member of the Indiana Farm Bureau, you’re never without support.
