Unique stressors to farmers can take mental health toll. Program looks to help
Among the most underserved communities for mental health outreach are farmers and land managers, but that can change with a new University of Maryland Extension partnership on the Eastern Shore.
As of Feb. 1, University of Maryland Extension is partnering with three mental health clinics on the Eastern Shore to help "alleviate the issues of accessibility and availability of treatment for mental health concerns," the university said in a statement.
According to a recent study by the American Farm Bureau, farm families are dealing with more stress than ever as indicated that 46% of farmers say it’s difficult to access a therapist in their rural communities, and 87% cited the cost of treatment as an obstacle when procuring that care.
"University of Maryland Extension has been including mental health education and resources as part of our regular agriculture and food systems education programs," said Shannon Dill, UME extension educator. "Farms and farm families have an inherent and imbedded tie to the land, community and tradition. It took a lot to build and grow the farm so there is a responsibility to make it continue and successful."
Specific stressors include increased federal regulations, labor shortages and industrywide issues stemming from the pandemic, rising overhead costs, and increased demand from the American public.
A statewide advisory committee of farmers and agriculturalists also supports the program and assists in its activities.
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Future of the program
Future plans for the program are ambitious as the extension office would like to develop and deliver education to an increased number of farmers and land managers.
Farms and farm families can expect to learn how to cope with stress and about mental health resources available to them including counseling. Agriculture service providers will also work with farmers in a crop, livestock or financial capacity.
The program teaches them signs and symptoms of prolonged stress, how to communicate and referral resources available.
"The goal of this program is a better understanding of the unique stressors and activities that farmers may experience which will assist health care professionals in their outreach and treatment," Dill said.
Articles in newsletters, social media and winter production meetings that farmers generally attend will be used as opportunities to explain the benefit of these programs to potential clients.
The program includes six free counseling sessions available for 35 qualifying participants through Bodhi Counseling, For All Seasons and Corsica River Mental Health Services.
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Wicomico County Department of Behavioral Health noted the implications of not seeking much-needed professional help could lead to anxiety and depression and thus resulting in a decrease in work productivity.
Other issues leading to tension among family members could increase thus impacting family relationships such as increased isolation, increased irritability, and substance abuse.
"Some of the benefits associated with seeing a mental health professional are that it gives the person someone to talk to about their concerns," said the DBH. " An unbiased person willing to listen to what is bothering them can offer varying perspectives to help them explore all options to resolve their concerns."
Therapy could reduce the likelihood of developing or exacerbating health problems.
"Stress or anxiety can cause problems with your heart, blood pressure, sleep and energy levels. It can improve a persons self-esteem and self-worth and reduce negative habits that could hinder progress or destroy their business or even harm themselves," DBH said.
Those interested in the program can request a referral by emailing mdfrsan@umd.edu or calling 301-405-4153. Openings are limited to farm families and other non-industrial land managers.
The program is offered through the help of a U.S. Department of Agriculture - National Institute of Food and Agriculture grant.
This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Program connects farmers, mental health professionals for free sessions
