We believe in cultivating rural resilience, now more than ever. High levels of stress have been present in our agricultural communities. With the economic turmoil associated with COVID-19 we encourage you to learn more about how to support farmers, ranchers, and agriculture workers as they navigate increasing stress. Farm Credit has put together a Free training for you facilitated by providers and professionals who have experience supporting the agricultural community in these uncertain times.
Join us in recognition of
Suicide Prevention Awareness
There is no single cause to suicide. Several factors can increase a person’s risk for attempting or dying by suicide. #BeThe1To is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s message for National Suicide Prevention Month and beyond. In our rural community, we may know someone who has been affected by a suicide loss or who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts. Help promote awareness by sharing graphics and resources on your website/social media or print them out for display at your business/organization.
We have put together two messaging toolkits. Download and share the #BeThe1To message through your network and social media channels. This toolkit can also be printed and posted in order on community bulletin boards, storefront windows, local businesses, and offices.
Program Resources and Materials
Agriculture can be stressful
Are you or someone you know experiencing:
- Change in routine
- Decline in care of farm and/or livestock
- Change in mood (anxious, agitated, angry)
- New or increased financial pressures
- Loss of interest in hobbies/activities
La agricultura pueda ser estresante
Usted o alguien que conozca esta enfretando:
- Un cambio en su rutina?
- La disminucion en el ciudado de la granja y/o ganaderia?
- Un cambio en su sueno o estado de animo (ansioso, agitado, enojado)
- Una nueva o mayor presion financiera?
- La perdida de interes en pasatiempos/actividades?
Job Site Posters
Agricultural Work Can Be Stressful (pdf) – Post at your workplace to increase awareness of warning signs and resources available to agriculture workers facing excessive stress.
Agricultural Work Can Be Stressful (In Spanish) (pdf) – Post at your workplace to increase awareness of warning signs and resources available to agriculture workers facing excessive stress.
Printable Brochures
Health & Safety in Rural Communities – Learn the warning signs and resources available to agriculture workers facing excessive stress.
Wallet Size Card
Warning Signs of Suicide Risk & How to Help: This resource can fit in your wallet to serve as a reference if someone you know is at risk.
Other Resources
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Washington
- NAMI Spokane
- Support Groups (including Survivors of Suicide Loss group)
- Educational Classes/Workshops
- Community Presentations
- Tri-County Grief Support Group
- Heartland Medicine Clinic: 1st and 3rd Monday of each month, 2 – 3 p.m., 250 South Main St., Colville, WA.
- Crisis Connections Cares: Care Package, Companion Member for Survivors of Suicide (Statewide)
For ongoing, online education
- QPR Institute (Question, Persuade, Refer): online suicide prevention training for individuals and professionals, can request in-person training for organization
- LivingWorks: online and in-person suicide prevention training for individuals and professionals, can request training for organization
- Rural Resilience: Free Farm Stress Training for Extension Agents to support rural communities and agriculture during this difficult farm economy. Training materials developed by Farm Credit focused on mental health and stress management.
To learn more about additional workshops in Washington State, go to: Suicide Prevention Resource Center: Washington
Quick Links
News Articles
- Landmark mental health provisions included in defense bill- Valley Journal
- Tough times on the farm – Wisconsin Examiner
- Midwest farmers face a crisis. Hundreds are dying by suicide. – USA TODAY
- A Novel Idea for Mental Health Care in Rural Washington – Crosscut
- Helping America’s Farmers, Ranchers, and Producers When They Need It Most – USDA blog post
- Many Washington dairies are struggling. Here’s why and what farmers are doing to survive. – The Seattle Times
- Fighting suicides in dairy country through ‘farmer angels’ – The Washington Post
- Keep a close watch on rural mental health this holiday season- Ohio Ag Net – Ohio’s Country Journal
- Farm Groups Partner to Help Farmers Manage Stress – National Farmers Union
- America’s Dairy Farmers Are Hurting. A Giant Merger Could Make Things Worse. – The New York Times
- Debt pushed her husband to suicide. In America’s farm country, it’s a growing problem – The Washington Post
- Opinion- Let’s Wage a War on Loneliness – The New York Times
- Changes to Farm and Ranch Life on the horizon as Rosmann helps with Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network implementation- Agweek
- State works to implement mental health pilot program to help farmers and ranchers
- Stress Act