Healthy Communities Start with Healthy Farmers

As Mental Health Awareness Month, May serves as a reminder of the importance of mental wellness. However, we should consider supporting farmers’ and farmworkers’ mental health as a year-round responsibility. 

Food and agriculture are Ohio’s top industries, employing one out of every seven people in the state. In caring for our communities, health, and environment, many producers navigate challenges like extreme weather events, trade disruptions, market fluctuations, difficult management decisions, trying working conditions, and isolation. These can all take a toll on their mental health, with stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms commonly reported by beginning and experienced farmers alike. 

Need help right now?

If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health crisis or thinking about suicide, help is available 24/7. 

• Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
• Chat is also available at 988lifeline.org
• For life-threatening emergencies, call 911 or go to the emergency room

Mental health resources for farmers

We’re in this together

The health and wellness of our agricultural communities impact all of us. We can all play a role in supporting farmers’ mental health, and that starts with a willingness to recognize signs of distress and a preparedness to provide support. 

During this month and those that follow, we encourage you to do what you can to connect with our local farmers, offer words of support, and buy directly from them. As the growing season picks up speed, there are more opportunities to engage with our local producers. Be mindful of the stressors they may face, and show them some love and gratitude. Simply asking how someone is doing is a powerful act of empathy—and one that can go a long way.