Mental health resources available

May is Mental Health Month and an opportunity to further raise awareness of the importance of caring for our mental health. It’s also a time to remind farmers of resources available.

Spring planting season can be a particularly stressful time on the farm. Growers and other stakeholders are encouraged to be aware of, and share, information with those in need and in their larger communities.

• The Minnesota Farm and Rural Helpline at 833-600-2670, is answered 24/7 by trained staff ready to help farmers who are struggling with stress or depression. The confidential helpline connects callers to financial help, mental health counselors, legal assistance and more.
  
  
• The Minnesota Department of Agriculture also launched MinnesotaFarmStress.com. It’s a quick way to find people and organizations that can help Minnesota farmers and farm families with unique challenges on the farm.
  
  
• Down on the Farm: Supporting Farmers in Stressful Times is based on an event that the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) co-created and delivered across Minnesota several years ago. The kit consists of a PowerPoint slide set and Facilitator’s Guide, and is available for no cost. Users are encouraged to adapt the kit to fit the needs of their local community and the audience. Users are also not required to be trained or certified to offer this workshop; however, it is encouraged to include collaboration among 3-4 lead individuals: one with a strong agriculture background, one with a strong mental health background, and one who has a knowledge of safety. Download the PowerPoint and Facilitator’s Guide here.  
  
  
• The Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center (UMASH) works to provide a variety of farm stress and mental health resources and support to farmers, farm workers and their families. In addition to online interactive sessions, the Cultivating Resilience in Rural Communities toolkit was developed to support conversations on stress and mental health. The toolkit includes a discussion guide, participant worksheet, video and other materials that discussion leaders can use to plan, prepare and host a group conversation on mental health in agriculture in a community setting. Visit umash.umn.edu/stress for more information and other UMASH resources.
  
  
• TransFARMation is a podcast jointly organized by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) and Red River Farm Network. Launched in 2019, the series uses farm radio, podcasts and social media to feature stories from farmers navigating challenging times on the farm, while highlighting the resources available. You can listen to each interview at rrfn.com/transfarmation.

If you, a loved one or friend is in need, please encourage them to contact one of these resources for added support.