Farm Mental Health

Helping farmers with stress assistance.

It's time to listen. It's time to help.

Agricultural work includes a number of unique stressors, such as impacts of weather conditions and events, financial concerns about commodity prices, loan interest rates, and managing the farm business, long work hours, working with heavy machinery, and at times, working closely with family. Stress among people in agriculture is important because it can contribute to negative mental health outcomes, and people in agriculture have higher rates of depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and deaths by suicide compared to the general population. 

At Illinois Extension, we offer several programs to help people who work in agriculture to learn more about stress and stress management, as well as programs for agricultural community members to learn more about farm stress, mental health, and how to help someone who is struggling or in crisis. 

Request a voucher to receive free counseling services.

Try these stress-reducing practices.

Whether in the field, barn, tractor, or home, these simple techniques may help you handle the stress that comes from farming.

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Stop. Breathe. Think.

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Many of the decisions we make are reactive and driven by our emotions. Learn to pause before we respond, allowing for a thoughtful response. 

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Senses

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Using your senses can be any easy way to quickly get into a mindful state. Learn the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique to quickly increase your mindful awareness. 

Information on this website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are in crisis, please visit your local emergency department or call 911 immediately. 

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Renewing Hope, Restoring Productivity

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AgrAbility

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The vision of AgrAbility is to enhance quality of life for farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural workers with disabilities.

Farm Mental Health Contacts

Courtney Cuthbertson: Courtney can assist with the North Central Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Center and ongoing research about stress and mental health in agricultural communities.

Stephanie Acevedo: Stephanie, farm and ranch stress project coordinator can assist with youth or adult Mental Health First Aid training or one of Michigan State University Extension workshops, including Communicating with Farmers Under Stress and Weathering the Storm in Agriculture. Email, 217-244-2141.

Kacie Hulshof: Kacie, Mental Health Voucher Program coordinator, can assist with the Illinois Agricultural Mental Health Voucher Program. Email, 217-333-6205.