In wrapping up its final week of marking May as Mental Health Month, the U.S. Agricultural Safety and Health Centers are encouraging people to talk about stress and mental health, and to share their stories to help raise awareness.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture and the Red River Farm Network have joined forces to create a new radio series called TransFARMation. The series aims to increase awareness and reduce inhibitions about acknowledging farmer stress while highlighting sources of support. The in-depth podcasts feature interviews with farmers and are available online at rrfn.com/transfarmation.

Stigma may not directly affect you. However, it prevents the one in five Americans with mental health conditions from seeking help.

Rural, agricultural communities can be highly influenced by stigma. You can learn more by taking a three-question quiz on stigma at curestigma.org.

Stigma is toxic to those affected by mental health conditions. It creates shame, fear and silence in rural communities. It prevents people from seeking help.

When Rose Jeter posted about farmer suicides on social media, Amy Johnson responded. Together, they have worked in their state of Virginia on mental health policies to be adopted at the state level. Read more about how these women are working to break stigma.

There are many ways to initiate, maintain or improve communication with farm family members, neighbors and community members. Go online to learn more about building relationships in stressful times.

Source: U.S. Agricultural Safety and Health Centers, which are solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.