Integrating Mental Health Discussions into Agricultural Programing
Agricultural Issues
Tim Christensen
Farm Management Specialists
ISU ANR
Guthrie Center
Abstract
Extension has an important role in addressing mental health wellness in the Iowa agricultural industry. The number of calls to the Iowa Concern Hotline increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rates of suicide are higher among agricultural producers than most other occupations, as is the prevalence of common mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, when compared to the general population (Bjornestad, Brown, & Weidauer, 2019; Cole & Bondy, 2020; Peterson et al., 2020; Rudolphi, Berg, & Parsaik, 2020). Stigma around mental health challenges prevent many rural Iowans from seeking support. Studies show people are more likely to get help if suggested by someone they trust. The extension farm management specialists are viewed by many as trusted consultants and educators. To meet the needs of rural Iowans, I integrated mental health discussions and resources into my everyday ag programing. By adding mental health information into leasing, succession or other meetings, I am able to provide resources to an audience that may be reluctant to attend a mental health meeting. I not only provide resources for the individuals in attendance, but I also ask them to take the resources to people in their families and communities who may be struggling with mental health challenges. In 2021, I engaged 1,070 Iowans in the agricultural industry in mental health discussions. While the results of this program are hard to measure, I know it has impacted lives. In many cases, participants expressed thanks for the information. One individual indicated he was in the act of completing his plan to die by suicide when he saw the resources provided at the ag extension program. He called a hotline and got the help he needed. In his time of need, those resources quite possibly saved his life. When extension professionals incorporate mental health information into agricultural programming, they can reduce stigma and provide resources that support greater mental health wellness in the agricultural industry.
Authors: Tim Christensen
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Tim Christensen Farm Management Specialists, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Iowa, 50155