Agriculture Can Be Stressful- You’re Not Alone
Coping with Excessive Stress
Agriculture is known to be a dangerous occupation full of potential stressors like weather, changing economic markets and machinery breakdowns. When these start to compound many farmers experience excessive stress, making it hard to move forward to positive solutions.
Due in part to the stresses faced in farming, agricultural workers have high rates of suicide. This loss of parents, siblings, children and spouses can be avoided – if you or someone you know is experiencing excessive stress or thoughts of suicide, please reach out to a confidential crisis support line.
Stress Management Tips
WSU and the Agricultural Suicide Prevention Program is not a crisis center.
If you are in need of immediate assistance, reach out to the National Suicide Prevention line, at 988 or 1(800) 273-TALK (8255)
In our rural communities, we may know someone who has been affected by a suicide loss or who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts. Help promote awareness by sharing existing resources and social media posts available in the “Providers & Professionals” section of the website.
A Message from the National Action Alliance on Suicide Prevention
Consider ways to encourage the public to be there for someone who might be struggling or in crisis. Some examples of how someone can #BeThere include:
- Check in with a friend by phone or text message to see how they are doing.
- Invite a friend to meet for coffee or to share a meal together.
- Send a handwritten card to let someone know you are thinking of them.
- Learn the risk factors and warning signs.
- Help connect someone who is struggling to professional care.
- Share the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Number at 988 or 800-273-8255, which provides 24/7, free, and confidential support. For specialized care, military veterans may press ‘1.’ In addition, anyone can contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.
Upcoming Workshops and Training Announcements
WRASAP Network Quarterly Meeting June 2023 (Zoom)
Entrenamiento sobre la prevención del suicidio de QPR para agricultores y ganaderos (en español)
There are several signs or symptoms to look for when stress has begun to take an effect on you or someone you know:
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Thoughts of hurting oneself
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Care of Livestock Declines
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Increase in Agriculture-Related Accidents
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Appearance of Farmstead Declines
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Children Show Signs of Stress
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Lack of energy/motivation to do usual tasks
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Loss of interest in favorite activities
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Alcohol and/or substance abuse/addiction
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Withdrawal from others
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Relational tension
John’s Story
Johnny’s Story
Ellen’s Story
Ed & Maria’s Story
We’re here to remind our neighbors, friends, co-workers, and loved ones that they are not alone. If you or someone you know is struggling, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).
Additional Resources
If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States. Learn about more about the lifeline directories
If you are hard of hearing, you can chat with a Lifeline counselor 24/7. Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the USA to text with a trained Crisis Counselor.
Every texter is connected with a Crisis Counselor, a real-life human being trained to bring texters from a hot moment to a cool calm through active listening and collaborative problem solving. All of Crisis Text Line’s Crisis Counselors are volunteers.
Leading Partners in Washington State
WSU Agricultural Suicide Prevention Pilot Program is funded through the State of Washington, Department of Health under the provisions of House Bill 2671. If you would like to contribute to the work of raising awareness about excessive stress and suicide prevention in agriculture, please reach out to WSU Skagit County Extension.
This webpage is also supported by the Western Region Agricultural Stress Assistance Program, funded by the USDA Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network, under agreement number: 2020-70028-32731 proposal number: 2020-07631.