By Rural Minds
Farming has always required resilience. Each season brings new uncertainties, and every soybean grower knows the pressures that come with working the land. In recent years, those pressures have grown. Volatile markets, rising input costs, unpredictable weather and supply chain disruptions have pushed stress levels to new heights—and the impact extends far beyond the fields.
A recent American Farm Bureau Federation survey found that more than half of rural adults—and nearly two-thirds of farmers and farm workers—have experienced increased stress and mental health challenges compared to a few years ago. Also, according to the Center for Disease Control, farmers are estimated to be 3.5 times more likely to die by suicide than those in other occupations. Yet access to mental healthcare remains limited in many rural communities.
Unique Pressures of Farm Life
Mental health challenges can affect anyone, but the stressors of farm life are unique. A farm is more than a business—it’s a home, a livelihood and often a multigenerational legacy. That deep connection brings pride and fulfillment, but also immense pressure. Carrying on family traditions, managing debt, navigating global markets and coping with erratic weather can lead to anxiety and depression.
Stigma makes seeking help even harder. In many rural areas, mental health struggles are still not openly discussed, leaving farmers feeling isolated or unsure of where to turn.
Breaking the Silence
Founded in 2021, Rural Minds is the only national nonprofit organization focused exclusively on fighting for mental health equity for people in rural America. Our mission is to connect people in rural communities—including those in agriculture—with life-saving mental health information and resources.
We also amplify the voices of farmers who have experienced mental health challenges and found support and healing. Hearing from others who have walked similar paths helps to get past the stigma and shows that reaching out is a sign of strength.
Through partnerships with agricultural organizations like the American Soybean Association, other mental health nonprofits and funding from corporations and individual donors, Rural Minds provides free mental health resources tailored to farmers and rural residents. These include tips for how to recognize when someone may be struggling, starting conversations about mental health and information on where to find support.
Recognizing the Warning Signs Could Save a Life
If you notice any of the following, it could mean a person may be considering suicide:
- Talking about wanting to die or being a burden to others
- Expressing hopelessness, sadness, anxiety, rage or intense emotional pain
- Increasing alcohol or drug use, withdrawing from others or acting recklessly
- Neglecting their farm, selling off equipment or livestock or falling behind on bills
If You See Warning Signs, Take Action
Now more than ever, it’s important for farmers to take care of their own mental health and that of their family, friends and neighbors.
- Ask directly if the person you’re concerned about is considering suicide.
- In a crisis, call 988 and contact a healthcare provider, counselor or social worker.
- Reduce access to lethal means, such as firearms and medication when possible.
You’re Not Alone
As soybean growers prepare for another season, remember that caring for mental health is just as essential as caring for your crops. Together, we can cultivate hope and ensure the people who feed and fuel our nation have the support they need.
If you or someone you know is in emotional distress, call or text 988. The 988 Lifeline provides confidential support 24/7. In addition, you can visit soygrowers.com/soyhelp-nationalresources-info/ for ASA’s #SoyHelp National Emotional Wellbeing Resources and the Rural Minds’ website at RuralMinds.org for free rural-focused mental health resources.
The post Cultivating Hope: Supporting Mental Health in Agriculture appeared first on American Soybean Association.
