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Suicide Prevention

WSU Extension > Stevens County > Agriculture > Suicide Prevention

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.

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Providers & Professionals

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, 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

A Message from the National Action Alliance on Suicide Prevention

There are ways to help 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 (pdf)
  • Help connect someone who is struggling to professional care.
  • Ask. Keep them safe. Be there. Help them connect. Stay connected.
  • Share the Regional Crisis Line number 877-266-1818
  • Share the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Number 800-273-TALK, 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.
  • Share the Farm Aid Resource Line 1-800-FARM-AID

There are several signs or symptoms to look for when stress has begun to take an effect on you or someone you know:

  • Thoughts of hurting oneself
  • Lack of energy/motivation to do usual tasks
  • Care of livestock declines
  • Loss of interest in favorite activities
  • Appearance on farmstead declines
  • Alcohol and/or substance abuse/addiction
  • Children show signs of stress
  • Withdrawl from others
  • Increase in agriculture-related accidents
  • Relational tension

Leading Partners in Washington State

Washington State Department of Health Logo.
WSU Skagit County Logo
WSU Extension Stevens County Logo.
WSU Agricultural Suicide Prevention Pilot Program Logo.

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.
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Program Contact

Kathryn Hoogheem, Agriculture Extension Coordinator
Phone Number509-684-2588 Email Address • kathryn.hoogheem@wsu.edu