The New AgriStress Helpline Reaches Virginia Farmers on Their Terms
In partnership with: Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
The new AgriStress Helpline, a hotline specifically for farmers and those in agricultural industries, provides mental health support with 24/7 coverage and the ability to respond in 160 languages.
Whether rural or urban, sometimes it is hard to ask for help or find support. Farmers can call or text the AgriStress Helpline from anywhere and speak with mental health professionals who are trained on the unique struggles of agricultural producers.
A Helping Hand
“The mental health resources that were available didn’t fully understand the culture of farming and the mental health struggles of this population,” says Centra Medical Group’s Amy Johnson, FNP-C, who holds a nurse practitioner doctorate. “They didn’t understand the mindset of the American farmer.”
The professionals at AgriStress Helpline have more than 300 hours of crisis intervention training, with a continuing education course in agriculture by FarmResponse. Since mental health resources can be sparse in some areas, this method allows for an expanded scope of what is available.
“Farmers can sit in their tractor in the middle of the field and do a telehealth visit,” Johnson says. “It gives them the opportunity to seek help without having to leave their farm.”
In a business where paychecks don’t necessarily come every two weeks, it can be challenging for farmers to address mental health issues or even physical ailments.
“You can’t just take time off,” says Laura Siegel, health communications officer at AgriSafe Network. “There’s never-ending work that needs to be done.”
While injuries can devastate a farm’s productivity, unaddressed mental health issues can also lead to physical problems.
“People think, ‘If I just keep it in, it will get better.’ It never does,” Johnson says. “Stress wreaks havoc on the body. Something that is creating mental anguish eventually is going to start causing physical symptoms.”
Along with a lack of time and resources, a stigma around mental health may prevent farmers from seeking help. Resources like the AgriStress Helpline provide a way for people in need to reach out anonymously.
In addition to mental health support, the AgriStress Helpline can assist in connecting people to resources for financial support, grant programs, and even food or housing.
See more: Virginia Programs Prepare Students for Careers in Agriculture
Noticing the Signs
There can be several warning signs that someone may be struggling. For example, lack of farm upkeep, withdrawal from the community, neglecting personal care, or sudden anger and irritability may be signs that someone is dealing with mental health issues.
Siegel and Johnson stress the importance of bringing these issues into the open.
“Talking about it might be the only thing that could help save someone’s life,” Siegel says. “Never be afraid to talk about your mental health because it opens those doors for communication that can help reach someone who might be struggling or stressed.”
The AgriStress Helpline can be reached at (833) 897-2474 via call or text, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The helpline provides free, confidential crisis support, with interpretation services available in 160 languages. Learn more at agrisafe.org/agristress-helpline.
Additional Resources
- QPR training through AgriSafe: agrisafe.org/courses/qpr
- AgrAbility Virginia: agrability.alce.vt.edu
- Virginia 211: 211virginia.org/consite/index.php
See more: Conservation Considerations Are a Priority for Virginia Farmers