AgriStress Helpline for Farmers Brings Mental Health Support to Rural Texas
In partnership with: Texas Department of Agriculture
In rural America, stigmas around mental health and a lack of access to care have been obstacles to people receiving the crucial support they need. To combat this, the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) has partnered with the AgriSafe Network to develop a helpline for agricultural producers and their families to connect them with the resources they need.
See more: Texas Organizations and Farmers Work to Break the Stigma Around Suicide
Tailored to Agriculture
The AgriStress Helpline was launched in 2022 as an agriculture-specific helpline to provide mental health support and other resources to farm producers. The confidential, private helpline is currently available in 10 states, including Texas.
“We felt having an agricultural-specific suicide crisis and support line would be a great service to people working in ag,” says Dr. Tara Haskins, total farmer health director at the AgriSafe Network.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data from 2017, workers in agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting have a suicide rate that is two to three times higher than that of other work sectors. For agricultural managers in charge of a farm, that rate can be even higher due to factors like unpredictable markets, destructive weather events and the pressure to maintain a generational farm.
Unlike other helplines, the AgriStress Helpline is tailored specifically to the needs of agricultural producers. Responders undergo 988 training as well as farm response training, which allows them to understand stressors specific to agriculture.
“They’re not going to ask farmers to take a week off to recharge, because they know that’s not feasible for an owner-operator of a small ag operation,” says Amanda Wickman, program director for the Southwest Center for Agricultural Health, Injury Prevention and Education at the University of Texas at Tyler.
The AgriSafe Network and its partner Via Link have tried to make the helpline as accessible as possible with 24/7 support in 160 languages and text services in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.
Fighting Stigmas and Finding Help
Outreach and marketing has been a critical part of efforts by the AgriSafe Network and TDA. In rural communities, people may hesitate to seek help due to the stigma still attached to mental health.
“This is not something that we are going to correct in a couple of years,” Wickman says. “This is going to take one or two generations for people to really accept that suffering from some kind of mental health issue is really no different than suffering from diabetes or hypertension.”
Celebrity support from figures like country music singer Jenna Paulette has helped spread the word about the helpline and normalized seeking help through songs and music videos addressing stress in the agriculture industry.
“We are really grateful to be a part of this important message that Jenna feels so passionate about as well,” Haskins says.
For anyone in need of mental health support, calling or texting the helpline is a safe first step.
“Making the call sometimes is the hardest step,” Haskins says. “If you’re with someone and you recognize they could benefit from the service, encourage them to do that. Offer to dial the number on their phone and be there with them, stay connected to one another in our communities.”
See more: Deydra Steans Is Keeping Her Texas Farm Community on Solid Ground
Watch for the Signs
While indications that someone may be struggling can vary by individual, some warning signs may include:
- Isolation or withdrawal
- Increased substance use
- Decline in personal care
- Decline in farm upkeep
- Increase in minor accidents
- Chronic pain
If you or someone you know is showing these signs, share this number with them or call (833) 897-2474 for free and confidential crisis support 24/7 from trained professionals. Visit agrisafe.org/agristress-helpline for more information.