Posted on Sep 26, 2022
Suicide rates are higher among farmers. Some Midwest states are teaching communities how to help
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Farmers die by suicide at a higher rate than the general population. That’s leading Midwestern states to train bankers, veterinarians and agribusiness professionals to be the new front line of defense against farm stress.
Bright patches of yellow and pink flowers line the walkway in Doug Fuller’s backyard in Cambridge, Iowa.
But, just one year ago, the same garden was bare. Fuller was in the middle of a year long battle with severe depression and suicidal thoughts.
“Hopelessness is probably the biggest thing you think of,” he said of his depression. “When this goes on for month after month after month, you just feel like ‘Is this ever gonna improve?’”
Bright patches of yellow and pink flowers line the walkway in Doug Fuller’s backyard in Cambridge, Iowa.
But, just one year ago, the same garden was bare. Fuller was in the middle of a year long battle with severe depression and suicidal thoughts.
“Hopelessness is probably the biggest thing you think of,” he said of his depression. “When this goes on for month after month after month, you just feel like ‘Is this ever gonna improve?’”
Suicide rates are higher among farmers. Some Midwest states are teaching communities how to help
Posted from kcur.org
Farming
Agriculture
Suicide
Mental Health
Depression
Posted >1 y ago
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PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
..."Reaching out
Back in Cambridge, Fuller has fully recovered from his intense depression and isolation.
He doesn’t know what triggered his episode – maybe it was the way a windstorm flattened some of his crops or maybe it was the isolation of COVID. But, he said, he does know he only got better after he asked for help.
“I just don't see any reason to have kept all this to myself,” he said. “Because it was as real as we are sitting here today.”...
..."Reaching out
Back in Cambridge, Fuller has fully recovered from his intense depression and isolation.
He doesn’t know what triggered his episode – maybe it was the way a windstorm flattened some of his crops or maybe it was the isolation of COVID. But, he said, he does know he only got better after he asked for help.
“I just don't see any reason to have kept all this to myself,” he said. “Because it was as real as we are sitting here today.”...
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That's downright sad! Our farmers need whatever help they can get. Veterans first Farmers next. PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
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