Producer Mental Health
Farming and food production are among the most difficult and important jobs in the world. Our Oklahoma Pork Producers pour their hearts and souls into their work everyday, and at times, this can take a toll. During an FAD outbreak, or potential outbreak, it’s natural for pork producers and farmers to spend every waking hour caring for their animals, but in such a stressful time, it’s important to also take care of yourselves.
Below you’ll find strategies and resources to help you & your loved ones manage stress and identify and address mental health challenges.
Spotting stress warning signs
Change in routines
Decline in the Care of domestic animals
Increase in illness
Increase in farm accidents
Decline in appearance of farmstead
Signs of stress in children
Decreased interest
How can you help someone in emotional pain?
Suicide is a major public health concern and a leading cause of death in the United States, and according to the CDC, farmers are more likely to die of suicide than members of the general population.
Suicide is complicated and tragic, but it can also be preventable. Knowing the warning signs and how to spot them can help save lives. The National Institute of Health recommends 5 steps to help someone who is in emotional pain. Visit NIH.Gov to learn more
need more assistance?
Farm Aid Hotline- 800-327-6243-
Farm Aid’s hotline team refers farmers to an extensive network of farm and rural support organizations across the country. You can reach them by phone, Monday through Friday from 9am-10pm ET, or you can email them anytime at farmhelp@farmaid.org
National Suicide Hotline- Dial 988
The lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, as well as prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones and best practices for professionals.
OSU- Resources by County
A localized, county by county list of resources for mental and behavioral health, substance abuse and addictions, counseling and more
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS? VISIT OUR FAD CONTACTS PAGE TO FIND THE BEST PLACE TO ASK YOUR QUESTIONS OR REPORT YOUR CONCERNS.