Talk Saves Lives

Did you know that people working in agriculture are on the list for being the highest risk for suicide?
According to the Centers for Disease Control, people working in agriculture, which includes farmers,farm laborers,ranchers,fishermen and lumber harvesters, take their lives at a higher rate than any other occupation.  I did not realize this until  listening to a presentation at the Arkansas Farm Bureau Women's Leadership conference earlier this month.



Suicide. It's not anything I want to really think about or talk about but it is a reality that I want to understand and learn how to help myself, my family and my friends. Suicide is a health issue. It can be the result of a genetic risk, depression, prolonged stress or a combination of these factors.

It's easy to see why farmers are at high risk for suicide.According to Mike Rosman, an Iowa farmer and psychologist who has dedicated a great part of his life to helping farmers in crisis states," people engaged in farming have a strong urge to supply essentials for human life, such as food and materials for clothing,shelter, fuel and to hang on to their land and other resources needed to produce these goods at all cost. When farmers can't fulfill  this purpose, they feel despair. The drive that makes a farmer successful is the same that increases factors that sometimes lead to suicide."

We never really know how others may be thinking or feeling but if you are aware of changes in how they are talking, behaving or exhibiting increased moodiness, it's time to talk. It's been found that --Talk Saves Lives.

 During these stressful times for those of us involved in agriculture or any other occupation, it's critical to make mental health a priority. Self care strengthens our mental health. Make a point to get exercise,  the proper amount of sleep, consume a healthy diet and manage  stress. When things just don't seem right--see a doctor, get an evaluation, discuss treatment options and find what works best for you.

It's never too late to reach out for help. Talk Saves Lives.

You can find help by  contacting  the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or
use the crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.

Drought Coping Skills

Just hearing thunder, seeing a flash of lightning and then watching the rain fall was a great stress reliever. Although any rain is a welcome site and considered a blessing, dealing with the stress and damage of this drought on our crops and pastures will continue for the rest of this year as we adapt and make necessary changes for our farm's survivability. Undetected stress can create a drought in personal well being and I will confess, I have felt pretty discouraged and distressed in this dry,hot spell.

During stressful times when it feels like we might be "going crazy", it's important to recognize these common signs of distress as normal responses to unusual situations:

• irritability and anger
• feelings of anxiety and worry
• headaches or gastrointestinal complaints
• increasing risk-taking behavior
• changes in eating and sleep habits
• increased alcohol or drug use
• forgetfulness
• fatigue
• sense of helplessness
• lack of concentration
• avoidance or denial
• sadness

For mental and physical health, it's important to recognize stress and take steps to cope with the challenge we face by focusing on our own strengths and our community of support. According to information from the University of Missouri Cooperative Extension  and Missouri Department of Health, we can take these steps to help ourselves and our families by:

• Acknowledging feelings and talking them out.
• Paying attention to health, nutritious diet and adequate sleep is important.
• Nurturing personal relationships should be a priority.

As my family and I worked together this week to help our neighbors who are also struggling , it was definitely a stress relief for personal drought!