BALDWIN, Wis. (WEAU) — Farmers face a significantly higher risk of suicide compared to the general population, with data showing they are 3.5 times more likely to die by suicide. This pressing issue was the focus of a recent summit in Baldwin, where agriculture professionals and healthcare workers gathered to address mental health challenges within the farming community.
Jennifer Webster, founder of the Farmer Angel Network of Western Wisconsin and a resident of Ellsworth, Wisconsin, shared her personal connection to the cause. “My dad passed away by suicide on our family farm,” Webster said. “So to me, it hits personal. It hits deep, and I don’t want this to happen to anybody else.”
The summit, held at Western Wisconsin Health, was organized by UW-Madison’s Division of Extension and the Farmer Angel Network of Western Wisconsin. The event aimed to facilitate discussions on the unique stressors faced by farmers and to share vital mental health resources.
Dr. Sara Kohlbeck, an assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin, emphasized the importance of these conversations. “We know that mental health issues and particularly suicide rates are higher in the farming population,” Kohlbeck said. “Farmers face numerous stressors throughout their lives, which increases their risk for mental health challenges and suicide.”
Participants explored strategies for identifying and addressing mental health issues among farmers. The summit provided valuable information on local and state resources, as well as peer support systems. “We hope to equip attendees with knowledge on recognizing signs of mental health issues and connecting them with appropriate resources,” Kohlbeck explained.
The demanding nature of farming—requiring constant attention and significant labor—contributes to the mental strain experienced by those in the industry. “Farming is a 24/7, 365-day commitment, which can be overwhelming,” Kohlbeck noted.
The summit aimed to break down barriers to mental health care and foster open dialogue. “We realized there was a lack of local support for mental health issues among farmers,” Webster said. “We want to be able to break that barrier and communicate that it’s okay not to be okay.”
By raising awareness and providing resources, the summit sought to empower individuals to support their peers and address mental health challenges in the farming community.
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