Even under optimal conditions, farmers face daily challenges – mending fences, managing livestock, keeping gardens picked, maintaining tractors and equipment – and that’s just for starters.

But factor in extreme circumstances like persistent drought and higher-than-normal temps, and the additional stress can compound an already stressful lifestyle that can have serious implications on their mental health.

Vance County Cooperative Extension Agent Michael Ellington and Granville Vance Public Health clinical social worker Mary Constantino shared some sobering information about national suicide rates among farmers and what family members can do if they see concerning behaviors in their loved ones.

Ellington said it’s important to be aware of how stress impacts us – farmers and others, alike. It’s all about knowing what we can do and focusing on what we can control, he said on a recent TownTalk.

Constantino, GVPH Human Services Clinical Counselor Specialist, said the national data around suicide is about 14.4 deaths per 100,000. In North Carolina, that average is 14.1. But farmers, she said, have a higher rate per 100,000 than the average population – as much as 2 to 4 times the national average.

Ellington said he’s heard different people expressing feelings of desperation, that they can see no way forward, no way out.

“This is a problem happening right now,” Ellington said, “your family, your neighbors. It’s here.”

He wants to send the message that provides a lifeline to those in distress. “Whatever problems you’re facing,” there is a way out, a way forward.

“It’s really hard to talk about feelings and things that are stressful,” Constantino said.

When things aren’t going well, it’s human nature to blame ourselves, and she said it’s also natural to think that we should be able to handle the stressful situations without help.

It may be useful to change perspective from “I should be able to handle these feelings myself” to “gosh, maybe I do need some help trying to process through some of this,” she said.

Ellington said often, a farmer’s support system includes the very ones who are dependent on him or her.

“They probably are the folks they’re worried about letting down the most,” he said.

Constantino suggests having a daily “process check” when stress levels are high. The stress is acknowledged – now what to do about it?

Sometimes, it’s helpful to just ‘vent’ to someone. That can be enough, but not always. And it’s important to know what steps to take when venting hasn’t helped.

Ellington says there’s a difference between venting and problem-solving.

“Farmers are natural problem solvers,” he said.

“Venting is when we just need to put something out there, knowing that we can’t fix it.”

The weather. The drought. That tractor part that won’t be in stock for two weeks.

Sleeping more, drinking alcohol to excess, not wanting to socialize or even get out of the bed may be signs that there’s more going on than just reacting to normal stress.

GVPH has a variety of programs that address mental health and positive outcomes, Constantino said. Crisis lines in Vance and Granville counties can provide referrals to callers who reach out about services.

Of course, if you are fearful for the safety of your loved one, you can always call the national 988 suicide hotline.

“The best place to start is to say ‘Hey, we care about you,’” Constantino said.

GVPH can help manage medications and oversee people who need mental health support. In Granville County, there are therapists who go into schools; in Vance County, it’s mostly group-focused programs.

Clinicians all operate a little bit differently, Constantino explained, but clients often find relief when what they need is support and encouragement and strategic questions about how to move forward.

Call GVPH at 919.693.2141 or visit https://gvph.org/ webs to learn more.

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