Last updated on July 8th, 2024 at 11:51 am
AgriSafe encourages YOU to promote mental health awareness!
Since 1949, Mental Health America (MHA) has observed May as Mental Health Month by reaching out to millions of people through the media, local events, and screenings. MHA invites other organizations to join them in spreading the word that mental health is something everyone should care about by using the May is Mental Health Month toolkit materials and conducting awareness activities! This year, the theme of MHA’s 2022 Mental Health Month Toolkit is “Back to Basics.” After the last two years of pandemic living, many people are realizing that stress, isolation, and uncertainty have taken a toll on their well-being. MHA’s goal is to provide foundational knowledge about mental health & mental health conditions and information about what people can do if their mental health is a cause for concern. Click here to access the toolkit!
AgriSafe’s Mental Health Resources
Mental health is vital to overall Total Farmer Health. Mental health and physical health depend on each other. Productivity in agriculture requires a sound mind and body. AgriSafe is here to help provide mental health resources specific to the unique needs of agricultural communities. Read more at our Mental Health topic page.
- Mental Health and the Impact on Wellness for Farm Families
- Person First Language
- Talking Total Farmer Health podcast episode: Mental Health
AgriSafe’s Mental Health Programming
FarmResponse
AgriSafe’s FarmResponse course is a 3.5-hour continuing education program providing the full range of competencies necessary to provide appropriate mental healthcare for agricultural producers and their families. This knowledge is critical for a healthcare professional to effectively care for a farmer’s total health. Do you live in Connecticut, Georgia, Guam, Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, Washington, or Wyoming? Submit an inquiry form to take FarmResponse for free!
FREE Suicide Prevention Training
Over the last decade, farmers and farm families have experienced increasing pressures resulting in high levels of stress, mental health, and suicide. QPR training teaches laypeople and professionals to recognize and respond to mental health crises using the approach of Question, Persuade, and Refer. In this 1.5-hour QPR training, we will provide:
- Information on the unique challenges farmers face that can lead to stress, depression, and suicide.
- Examples implementing each QPR component with someone at risk for suicide.
- Information on how to help someone at risk of suicide.
Click here for a list of our upcoming QPR training dates. Participants only need to attend one training session.
AgriStress Response Network
The AgriSafe Network has launched a national network of agricultural professionals that are committed to sharing non-proprietary information to ensure that resources and trainings are widely disseminated to farmers and ranchers. The AgriStress Response network seeks to eliminate the stigma around accessing support for mental health including stress, depression, anxiety, and suicide. Each month the AgriStress Response Network hosts a Mental Health Innovations Exchange. The purpose of these monthly meetings is to engage innovative ideas and strategies to serve the farming and ranching community in the area of mental health. The next meeting will be on June 2, 2022, at 10 am CT. Interested in attending or presenting at a future Mental Health Innovations Exchange? Email Carey Portell (cportell@agrisafe.org) for more information! Follow the AgriStress Response network Facebook page, to stay updated on the latest agricultural mental health news!
Cultivating a Health Mind – Mental Wellness for Youth
This module opens an introductory discussion of mental health among teens and young adults with guidance from an adult educator. This training is designed for teachers, Extension staff, 4H and FFA leaders, and others who work with young adults. Focus is placed on decreasing stigma, improving mental health literacy, and positive coping skills for teens and young adults. The module showcases a high school agricultural student’s understanding of the agricultural mental health crisis, helping to frame mental health distress to academic and future career success. Watch our Cultivating a Health Mind training now!
Additional Resources
Rural Health Information Hub Toolkits
- Mental Health in Rural Communities Toolkit: This toolkit compiles evidence-based and promising models and resources to support organizations implementing mental health programs in rural communities across the United States, with a primary focus on adult mental health.
- Rural Suicide Prevention Toolkit: This toolkit compiles evidence-based and promising models and resources to support organizations implementing suicide prevention programs in rural communities across the United States.