by Brianna Gwirtz Smith

Whether it's the unpredictability of weather, fluctuating market prices or the pressure to keep a multigenerational business afloat, farm life can feel like a mental marathon.

A recent survey from the Ohio Agricultural Mental Health Alliance (OAMHA) revealed that nearly half of Ohio farmers have felt the need for mental health support. However, barriers such as time, cost and the fear of not being understood often prevent them from seeking help. A growing effort is underway to change that.

Key findings from survey

Earlier this year, more than 600 farmers from 80 Ohio counties anonymously participated in a comprehensive survey on farm stress and mental health. They answered questions about their mental well-being, farm-related stressors, loneliness, social support and access to mental health services. The survey shed light on the unique challenges Ohio farmers face.

"I think the most important thing for farmers to recognize is that they are not alone," says Dee Jepsen, professor and Ohio State Extension state agricultural safety and health leader. "Forty-four percent of respondents stated that in the past 12 months, they felt they needed mental health care or counseling."

However, the survey also revealed key barriers to seeking help.

"Many respondents had concerns about the cost of mental health care and whether it would be worth their time and money," Jepsen says. "They also feared therapists wouldn't understand their farming background. Farmers don't want to be told to change their line of work or let someone else take over their roles.”

Collaboration across entities

OAMHA was formed in 2019 after one of the state's wettest springs on record, during which stress levels among Ohio farmers were particularly high.

"Our members were really stressed," says Ty Higgins, senior director of communication and media relations at Ohio Farm Bureau. "We knew we needed to do something. Ohio State University, Ohio Department of Agriculture and Ohio Farm Bureau came together to pool the resources we had. That initial effort laid the foundation for creating the OAMHA."

Since its inception, OAMHA has expanded to include commodity groups, agribusinesses and mental health organizations such as the Ohio Department of Health, Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, and the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation.

Higgins says the inclusion of mental health professionals has been crucial in addressing the stigma surrounding mental health in the farming community.

Farm stress certification program

One step to improving agricultural mental health has already begun. Having recognized many mental health professionals are disconnected from farm life, OSU Extension launched the Farm Stress Certified program in 2022 to bridge the gap between mental health professionals and the agricultural community.

This certification program equips mental health professionals with the knowledge to understand farm-specific stressors better.

"We need to share with counselors what farm stressors are, so they can meet farmers where they are as soon as they walk through the door," Jepsen says. "Over 1,000 counselors have attended this program so far. We’ve started a directory of these certified professionals to help farmers find someone who understands their situation."

Strengthening mental health resources

While the survey results have provided valuable preliminary data, there's more work to be done. OAMHA’s next steps include a deeper dive into the data to better understand how different demographics, such as gender and age groups, perceive mental health. From there, the alliance can work to create or adjust mental health resources.

"Increased stress can also lead to more physical injuries on the farm, as well as a breakdown in communication among families or farm partners," Jepsen says. "Interestingly, almost 50% of the farmers said they can recognize stress in themselves or in someone else. Being able to recognize they need help is huge, so we need to make sure resources are available when they need it."

As Higgins notes, "Farmers are facing unprecedented challenges, from the effects of drought to declining net cash incomes. Mental health resources must be accessible, relevant and timely to make a real impact."

Do you need immediate help? Call the Ohio CareLine at 1-800-720-9616. The Ohio CareLine, staffed by behavioral health professionals, is a toll-free emotional support call service created by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services and administered in community settings.

For the National Suicide & Crisis Prevention Lifeline — call or text 988. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.

Gwirtz Smith is a freelance writer.