Farmer and rancher mental health has been in the news the past few years, with farmer suicide rates alarmingly high. Farmers and ranchers are often seen as the embodiment of the American ideal -- the rugged individualist who is self-sufficient, doesn't need help, lives on the land, doesn't have problems . . . but the stresses of modern farming, especially financial stresses, leave many feeling hopeless and helpless. Don McMoran and Kristen Hinton-Vanvalkenburg discuss programs to help farmers and their families deal productively with the stressors and with mental health challenges unique to farming. 

There are several signs or symptoms to look for when stress has begun to take an effect on you or someone you know. If you see something, say something!
Thoughts of hurting oneself
Care of Livestock Declines
Increase in Agriculture-Related Accidents
Appearance of Farmstead Declines
Children Show Signs of Stress
Lack of energy/motivation to do usual tasks
Loss of interest in favorite activities
Alcohol and/or substance abuse/addiction
Withdrawal from others
Relational tension

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE 
WSU Extension Suicide Prevention. https://extension.wsu.edu/skagit/suicide-prevention/. WSU and the Agricultural Suicide Prevention Program is not a crisis center. IF YOU ARE IN NEED OF IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE, reach out to the National Suicide Prevention line, 1(800) 273-TALK (8255).

Western Regional Agricultural Stress Assistance Center. https://farmstress.us/

National AgrAbility Project. http://www.agrability.org/

Hanna Ranch, the movie: https://www.amdoc.org/watch/hanna-ranch/
and here: https://www.amazon.com/Hanna-Ranch-Mitch-Dickman/dp/B00KIGQLEK

TRANSCRIPT: https://bit.ly/3qTwZ9x

AoR 59: Don McMoran and Kristen Vanvalkenburg, Total Farmer Health

The Art of Range is a podcast about rangelands for people who manage rangelands.  Our goal is education and conservation through conversation.  Find us online at www.artofrange.com.