May 14, 2026 by Robert Herrington, INFB Marketing
“It’s ok to not be ok” is a simple, yet powerful mental health message. There’s a real struggle that impacts so many people. “It’s ok to not be ok” acknowledges that your emotional pain is valid. It is not a weakness. Farmers are a tough breed, because they must be to battle all the factors they face daily in this line of work.
There is no shame in seeking help. Everyone faces challenges through stress, anxiety and burnout, but healing is not an instant fix. It requires being honest with yourself and finding support to face this challenge and then the next one.
During one of my interviews, I was told a similar quote – just adjusted for farmers: “You wouldn’t leave a cow in obvious pain because you were embarrassed to call the vet again. You’re allowed to care that much about yourself.”
In addition to combating stigma, “It’s ok to not be ok” reminds each of us that we are not alone. Others are feeling – or have felt – this way too. It promotes vulnerability as a strength. You can find support, whether from family, friends or professionals, and the situation is never as dire as you might envision. Let’s reread that sentence, the situation is never as dire as you might envision!
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. The purpose of this edition of The Hoosier Farmer is to address mental health. In it, we share truly personal stories of mental health journeys from fellow Farm Bureau members. As you read through this edition, I hope you can find something to use as a resource. Maybe you see signs of stress in your life or you’re the unsure spouse wondering what you can do to help. Maybe you’re the neighbor that can be a lifeline to a friend.
This amount of dedicated space for one topic may be unique to this publication, but if we can reach just one member that may be going through difficult times, then we’ve accomplished our goal. As an Indiana Farm Bureau member, you are never without support. “It’s ok to not be ok,” we’re here for you.
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