Farmers in southwest Minnesota tirelessly work their family – owned fields, planting corn and soybeans, while the specter of losing these vital lands hangs over their heads. Ramifications of this looming threat have cast a dark shadow on the mental well-being of these farmers, raising apprehensions of an increase in suicides reminiscent of the harrowing farm crisis of the 1980s. Beyond the farmers’ control lie an array of stressors that relentlessly plague them, including capricious weather patterns, soaring equipment costs and unpredictable global markets.

Depression has taken hold of the farming community, where individuals habitually keep their problems cloaked within, fostering a deep sense of seclusion. Acknowledging the pivotal role that rural clergy members play within their communities, regions such as Minnesota and South Dakota have initiated suicide prevention training programs specially tailored for these spiritual leaders. With churches serving as vital hubs for social interaction, the clergy, as trusted figures, are well positioned to offer support. Trainings educate clergy members on the nuances of suicide prevention while fostering an environment of understanding and assistance for surviving family members.

Farmers’ mental health struggles are distinctive due to the profound emotional bond they share with their land and the immense pressure associated with passing on their legacy. Contributing to elevated suicide rates among male agricultural laborers are factors such as isolation, climate change and trade outcomes.

Farmers’ pride in their craft and the pivotal role they occupy in nourishing the nation serve only to amplify their anguish when confronted with the prospect of losing their cherished farms. The transition of passing the baton to the next generation compounds the pressure and engenders an air of uncertainty. Confronting the subject of mental health is an arduous task for farmers, but the presence of clergy within rural communities offers a potential lifeline. A long-standing association between faith and hardship prevails in farming families, with churches serving as wellsprings of solace and connection.

The national suicide and crisis lifeline is available by calling or texting 988. There is also an online chat.