According to recent statistics, farmers are 60% more likely to commit suicide than the general public.  That is why Tuesday was designated as suicide prevention day as part of Farm Safety Week.  While suicide rates have not improved, there have been changes that offer hope for the future.  Farmer suicides were a major issue in the recession of the 1980, and they remain a problem during the current Ag economy.

 

However, attitudes and awareness have changed, according to Dr. Michael Rosmann, farmer and University of Iowa psychologist.

 

“Farm people have a much better understanding of stress, what causes pressures on farmers, what are the symptoms of stress, and they are more able to talk about these matters openly then they did in the 1980's.”

 

Rosmann said in addition to financial stress, farmers today are dealing with increased uncertainty, caused by trade disruptions, regulations, and climate shifts.

 

"The new efforts to create a national network for agricultural behavioral health will probably help improve our coping with stress and psychological problems.”

 

The 2018 Farm Bill contained funding for the establishment of regional farm stress centers around the country to help local communities develop programs to help farmers deal with stress.

 

 

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