Why Mental Health Matters on the Farm
A little bit better is a little bit better, said Ted Matthews, director of Minnesota Rural Mental Health, an outreach program that supports farmers and the extreme pressures they face.
When it comes to mental health, Matthews told AgriTalk’s Chip Flory on Tuesday, “People think you've got to hit the home run, or it doesn't count. That's so untrue. If I feel better, I'm building towards something that was better than what I had. So why wouldn't anyone want to do that?”
There seems to be a growing willingness in agriculture to participate in the conversation about mental health, Flory said.
Matthews attributes this to people beginning to look at mental health not as a disease, but as mental health.
“People are focusing on being healthier,” Matthews said. “Like anything else, if you take care of yourself early, you won't have to worry about taking care of yourself later. It truly is a lifetime commitment to feel better about yourself. If you feel better about yourself, you'll be able to deal with other people a lot better, and life will be a much more pleasant experience.”
Does Talk Result in Action?
It’s not just talk, Matthews said. More people are reaching out to Minnesota Rural Mental Health earlier during challenging situations. Instead of calling because there’s a crisis, more people are calling when they’re having difficulty with one situation or another.
Matthews said seeking advice or guidance means you’re trying to find a solution – that’s a positive step forward. The most important part is to be honest about how you are feeling in that moment.
“Is talking to someone helping you?” Matthews asked. “For example, clergy can be a great resource, and clergy can be a bad resource. It just depends - just like talking to your spouse, your friends, your neighbors. Remember we are all different and if those things help you, that’s great.”
He said his concern is when people avoid talking to someone because they think it’s easier to just handle on their own.
“Why not give it a shot? Why not talk to a professional if you're feeling there's still a lot of anxiety around a situation?” he asked. “You don't have to see somebody for 50 sessions. Sometimes one will work, sometimes just a few.”
What Holds People Back?
When it comes to anxiety specifically, Matthews said some people can handle 150 things, while some people can handle three.
“We’re all different,” Matthews said. “In farming, there's always anxiety. When is there not?”
Because of this, he said it’s especially important for farmers to understand what they can and can’t handle, and what they need to do to take care of themselves.
“For some people, that means they have to deal with [the source of anxiety] right away. For other people, they can handle things for a lot longer,” Matthews said. “We're wired differently. Taking care of ourselves can have a lot of different ways of going.”
What Can You Expect in Counseling?
Flory said he was talking to a farmer who opened up that it made him anxious to reach out to a professional. He asked Matthews to explain what people can expect when they talk to a counselor.
Find someone you’re comfortable talking to, Matthews advised. If you’re not comfortable with one professional, don’t stop trying until you find someone you connect with.
“Understand all you're doing [in counseling] is identifying things,” he added. “You get to decide whether that's helpful or not. If it's not helpful, then what other directions can you go? If it is helpful, then how do you get more of it?”
Most importantly, don't categorize counseling before you even start, Matthews said. You have nothing to lose from trying it.
For more information, contact farmcounseling.org.
May is National Mental Health Awareness Month, raising awareness about mental illness and related issues in the U.S., and helping reduce the stigma so many experience.
Read More:
Break the Stigma: It Starts With You and Me
By Her Own Hand: A Farm Girl’s Miraculous Journey from Death to Hope
Breaking Taboo: Parent’s Worst Nightmare, Child’s Near-Fatal Decision
Mental Health Adversity Allowed Wisconsin Dairy Couple to Learn the Value of “Best Yes”
More Resources on Mental Health Wellness:
Pay Attention to Warning Signs of Stress
Toxic Grit: Is Our Greatest Strength Our Greatest Weakness on the Farm?
Farmers, Ranchers Have Ways to Manage Stress
Suicide Prevention: Your Worth Isn't Measured By The Markets
Don’t Let Social Distancing Lead to Social Isolation
Connect With Farmers In-Person On Mental Health
Simple, Daily Habits to Help Manage Stress
Pay Attention to Warning Signs of Stress
When Your Trampoline Breaks: Avoid Isolation
7 Steps to Reduce Farm and Financial Stress
