We just came off Farm Safety Week, and we talked about what we can do to keep ourselves and other safe around the farm. However, as we approach the end of September and Suicide Prevention Month, we need to continue that conversation of safety for ourselves and others. While it isn’t a farm accident, it IS a farm incident that is still causing us to lose way too many friends and family every year.
Our friends over at UPL are taking this moment to remind our farmers across the country that we need to be aware of our mental well-being as much as our physical. This is especially true during harvest when there are so many added stressors than what we are already facing on a daily basis.
They have teamed up with Kathy Dothage, an extension professional in Social Work at the University of Missouri extension to get the word out to all farmers in the United States. Dothage says that prioritizing our self-care is first and foremost during this season.
There are signs of mental fatigue as well as physical fatigue that we should always be aware of in ourselves and others. We need to be watching for changes in these behaviors.
Talking to someone is a sign of strength, not weakness. There are easy and confidential resources available.
Dothage says that the resources they have available at the University of Missouri are for farmers in any state. Suicide is not limited by borders, and neither is help.
