Poll Highlights Pandemic’s Toll on Farmers’ Mental Health

More than half of American farmers and farmworkers are facing new mental health challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a recent poll commissioned by Farm Bureau.

The nationwide survey of 2,000 rural adults examined how the pandemic has affected the mental health of farmers, farmworkers and their communities. Two in three farmers and farm workers said the pandemic has affected their mental health and were 10 percent more likely than other rural adults to have said they experienced feeling nervous, anxious or on edge during the pandemic.

“My takeaway from this survey is that the need for support is real and we must not allow lack of access or a ‘too tough to need help’ mentality to stand in the way,” said American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall. “We are stepping-up our efforts through our Farm State of Mind campaign, encouraging conversations about stress and mental health and providing free training and resources for farm and ranch families and rural communities. The pandemic added a mountain of stress to an already difficult year for farmers and they need to know that sometimes it’s OK not to be OK, that people care, and that there’s help and hope.”

If you or someone you know is struggling or has concerns about their mental health, visit the Farm State of Mind website for crisis hotlines, treatment locators, tips for helping someone in emotional pain, ways to start a conversation and resources for managing stress, anxiety or depression.