The past few months have been a whirlwind of uncertainty, which adds to the mounting challenges farmers continue to face in this new crop year. Feelings of stress and isolation can lead to depression, substance abuse and suicide.
Plains Cotton Cooperative Association, Plains Cotton Growers, and experts at Texas Tech have teamed up to provide information about how to get help and have hope. PCCA has created a page on their website called “ Farm Stress – Help and Hope” with resources and facts about mental health crisis. According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, 91% believe that financial stress or fear of losing the family farm impacts mental health.
“ Every day, farmers and their families deal with factors that are beyond their control, which impact their finances, relationships, and many other aspects of their operation,” PCG CEO Steve Verett said. “ We urge anyone struggling with stress, depression, or suicidal thoughts to seek help, and encourage everyone to check on their family members, friends and neighbors to offer support and help during these trying times.”
Resources include ( but are not limited to): * National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1- 800- 2738255. The call is free and confidential, and they will connect the caller to a counselor in their area.
* Crisis Text Line – text HOME to 741741 to be connected to a trained counselor 24/ 7.
* Farm Aid Farmer Hotline, 1- 800- 327- 6243. Staff will answer calls Monday through Friday from 9 a. m. to 5 p. m. Eastern time.
More information can be found at https:// pcca. com/ farm- stress- help- and- hope/.