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

Visit NY FARMNET to learn more about Farm Stress Management

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  1. Change in routines

  2. Decline in the care of domestic animals

  3. Increase in illness

  4. Increase in farm accidents

  5. Decline in appearance of farmstead

  6. Signs of stress in children

  7. 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.

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  1. Ask

  2. Keep them safe

  3. Be there

  4. Help them connect

  5. Stay connected

Need more assistance?

  • Farm Aid Hotline

    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 at 800-327-6243, Monday through Friday from 9am-10pm ET, or you can email them anytime at farmhelp@farmaid.org

    Call

  • National Suicide Hotline

    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. Dial 988.

    Call

  • Oklahoma State University

    A localized, county by county list of resources for mental and behavioral health, substance abuse and addictions, counseling and more

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additional resources

  • Oklahoma Farm Bureau Stress and Mental Health Resources

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  • Animal Depopulation- Five Step Resiliency Tool

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  • Farm Crisis Center

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  • Farm Bureau Stronger Together

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  • American Association of Swine Veterinarians - Veterinarian Well Being

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