(Jackson, Mn.)– May is Mental Health Awareness month and Dr. Janette Simon of Des Moines Valley Health and Human Services in Jackson says this can be a stressful time for farm families…
“People can usually take a break from your home and go to work somewhere and kind of put your mind somewhere else. But when your home is your work and your co-workers are typically people that you live with you know that can be pretty stressful, pretty enmeshed.”
Every job has stress but Dr. Simon says there is another facet that affects farmers…
“In addition to the entrepreneurial spirit they have that pioneer spirit. They’re also not only fiscally responsible to their family and their operation but really stewards of the earth and that’s a big responsibility too.”
Dr. Simon says there is help for not only the farmer but their families as well…
“There is a Minnesota farm and rural help line for families and that is minnesotafarmstress.com and you can call or text. That’s free, its confidential, hey its 24/7 so if you know of someone or if you’re struggling you can call you can text and you can just talk about those overwhelming feelings that you’re having. And really no concern is too small.”
You can go to dvhhs.org to see more resources for farmers and for mental health in general. If you need someone to talk to right away you can dial 988. This number is available 24 hours a day 365 days a year and conversations are free and confidential.
To hear the full interview with Dr. Janette Simon, click here.
