As farmers take to the fields this harvest season, they are not only taking on long hours but also facing some uncertainty about what the season holds.
“In general, harvest is a tricky time, but I feel like it’s never not a tricky time on the farm. Harvest is particularly tricky with the lack of flexibility, lots of work hours.”
Adrienne DeSutter is the founder of Sow Hope Grow Hope and an ag mental health specialist. She says between weather, yields, risk, the economy, and more, farming is full of uncontrollables that can lead to higher rates of mental health challenges.
“There was one study recently that showed farmers have, like, a 60% of farmers have symptoms of depression, and unfortunately, that was reflected in their children too. That farm youth also 60% of them that were surveyed showed symptoms of depression as well,” says DeSutter. “So, we know suicide rates are significantly higher as well.”
The study, conducted by the University of Illinois, also found that some people may have become accustomed to living with mild or moderate depression, as well as highlighting the importance of mental health programs that target the whole family.
DeSutter will be bringing her Sow Hope Grow Hope presentation to Sandburg as one of the keynote speakers at the Bridgeway Discover Wellness Summit on Friday, September 25.
