Hope Is Here
Farmers provide a necessity of life for all of society — a service that can’t be matched. And while farmers take pride in their contributions, this vital work comes with struggles such as a lack of health benefits, only a few paychecks per year, and unpredictable weather and markets.
These stressors can add up, contributing to a gradual decline in mental health – and it may feel like too much. To find out if this is happening to you, the first step is to recognize any signs of stress, even seemingly small ones.
Always know that you are not alone — stress is a part of life and it’s okay to talk about it and seek help. Just as it’s important to take care of crops or animals, it’s important to take care of yourself.
If you or someone you know feels overwhelmed, depressed, or even suicidal, please don’t hesitate to reach out. For free and confidential emotional support, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 24/7.
If you experience anxiety, depression, or even suicidal thoughts, reach out
Even though it’s harder to recognize, mental illness is just as serious as physical illness.
Risk Factors for Suicide
Your environment significantly impacts your mental health. Many farmers deal with circumstances and behaviors that can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts. Geographic isolation, market disruptions, and unpredictable weather are some farmer-specific stressors that contribute to risk.
- Stigma associated with asking for help
- Job or financial loss
- Lack of healthcare, especially mental health and substance abuse treatment
- Alcohol and other substance use disorders
- Lack of social support and sense of isolation
- Loss of relationship(s)
- Mental disorders, particularly mood and anxiety disorders
- History of trauma or abuse
- Family history of suicide
- Local clusters of suicide
- Exposure to others who have died by suicide (in real life or via the media and internet)
- Previous suicide attempt(s)
You're Not Alone.
Support Is Available.
Multiple lives have been saved by reaching out to Raising Hope partners. Our coalition communications have reached more than 2.5 million Kentuckians.
The Impact Is Real.
Ages 64+
age of farmers at highest risk for suicide
48%
Increase in calls to lifeline services from 2016 – 2020
50%
Over half of U.S. farmers suffer from depression, and a third suffer from anxiety.
8.6 million
Number of calls, texts, and chats the 988 Crisis Call line has received from 2022-24
1.5 million
Number of adults who attempted suicide in 2021-22
4 million
Number of calls the 988 Crisis Call Center received in 2022-23
11 minutes
Every 11 minutes, 1 person dies from suicide.
109
Kentucky farmers were lost to suicide from 2004-2017