Farmers across North Carolina face a crisis of compounding issues that threaten their mental health and that of their families. Farmers are among the most likely to die by suicide, compared to other occupations, according to a study by the CDC. In addition to the stress that accompanied the COVID-19 pandemic, farmers are facing issues related to climate, tariffs, debt and isolation.
PBS North Carolina’s ncIMPACT series talked with Dr. Rich Bonanno, NC State Extension director, and other agriculture experts in the state to learn about community-led solutions to better support farmers. The episode, titled Farmer Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, aired on February 4, 2022.
Extension agents and specialists with NC State strive to support North Carolina farmers in all 100 counties, providing science-backed guidance and tools to help them overcome challenges and be successful. Among other initiatives, the N.C. Agromedicine Institute, a partnership between NC State, East Carolina and N.C. A&T State universities, is working to address farm stress and provide farmers with resources to help them tackle issues of anxiety or depression. Find farm stress resources at go.ncsu.edu/Farm-Stress-Program.
If you or a farmer you know needs help, don’t wait, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text 741741 to the Crisis Text Line.
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