September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. It’s been estimated that one in four farmers struggles with mental health. Farmers and ranchers in the U.S. have demanding jobs that are often compounded by economic uncertainty, vulnerability to weather events, and isolation. Rural agricultural communities may also have limited access to healthcare and mental health services, which can make it difficult for farm and ranch families to receive support when they are experiencing extreme stress, anxiety, depression, or another mental health crisis.

“Mental health is really important to me. Not only have I struggled myself but I've watched other farmers struggle. We're out here for hours on end by ourselves and it just lets our mind race… What if … What about that you know… The sacrifices that we're making you know… my kids aren't seeing me, my wife not seeing me… what am I missing out on… and there's a lot of things that we can't control that I think we can control.”

Saying something could mean everything. Call or text 988 to reach the South Dakota Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Network. Brought to you by the South Dakota Corn Utilization Council.