Written By: Leah Chester-Davis, Robin Tutor-Marcom, Scott Lee
No doubt, you are your farm’s greatest resource. Our 5-part series has shared tips, strategies, and resources that are designed to help you improve your well-being, deal with stress, and reduce risks and injury. Here is a list of resources that may be helpful to you or someone you know.
Your mental health is just as important as your physical health
The N.C. Agromedicine Institute has a number of programs that promote the health and safety of farmers, fishermen, and foresters. See blog 2 in this series for more information. Find a complete listing at www.ncagromedicine.org.
Honey, I Shrunk the Farm, a book that Dr. Robin Tutor-Marcom, director of the N.C. Agromedicine Institute, recommends. The book is written by Dr. Val Farmer, a clinical psychologist who works with farm families in the Midwest. It’s a comprehensive look at farm stress and the coping skills necessary to deal with downtimes in agriculture. His website also has an archive of his articles on stress and well-being, farm marriages, rural life, and other topics, along with information on how to order his book. www.valfarmer.com.
Check out “Headspace,” an app that Dr. Michael Hester recommends. Dr. Hester presents a program on well-being for farmers at the Carolina Farm Credit Agricultural Leadership Institute. Download the app for free and find themed sessions on everything from stress and sleep to focus and anxiety. It includes guided meditations for busy schedules and SOS exercises in case of sudden meltdowns. https://www.headspace.com/
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255). If stress and depression have gotten to be too much, talk with someone! Help awaits. To learn more about helping someone in crisis, visit https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ or call the hotline anytime.
Cost-share or government pricing for personal protective equipment (such as gloves, safety glasses, respirators, and hearing protection) through the N.C. Agromedicine Institute. www.ncagromedicine.org.
Farm Aid In-house Farm Advocate refers farmers to an extensive network of family farm and rural support organizations. Referrals provide support to farm families in crisis and farmers seeking to transition to more sustainable farming practices, as well as for individuals looking to become farmers. 1-800-FARM-AID (1-800-327-6243) weekdays.