​Mental Wellness Resources for the Agriculture Community

In trying times, Pennsylvania’s farmers are always there, keeping food on our tables and filling store shelves.  It’s a rewarding, yet stressful way of life, filled with uncertainty that for some can lead to anxiety and depression. But farmers are not forgotten.   

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture recognizes farmers and their families have unique circumstances that may contribute to loneliness, sadness, stress, or depression and hinder someone from seeking professional treatment for their mental health. Living and/or working on a farm can be isolating, rural areas have fewer therapists, and the work on a farm never stops.

Anyone, at any age, can experience these feelings and deserves treatment. It’s okay to ask for help.

There’s help if you or someone you know is struggling. The AgriStress HelpLine is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Recognize the signs of declining mental health. When loved ones, neighbors or others you care about are experiencing mental health challenges, they may not even realize it.

• Decline in care of crops, animals, and farm
• Deterioration of personal appearance
• Withdrawing from social events
• Increase in farm accidents
  
• Change in routine
• Increased physical complaints
• Increase in alcohol use
• Giving away prized possessions

Although it may feel like it’s out of your comfort zone, you can start a conversation. You can break the stigma. If you are experiencing negative feelings or know someone who is, we encourage you to talk about it and seek treatment

Share a habit you’ve seen change. Don’t wait for them to ask for help. If they’re willing to reach out, encourage them.   

The Department of Human Services offers free crisis counseling through the Support and Referral Helpline. Anyone feeling stressed, overwhelmed, alone, or anxious is encouraged to connect with a free crisis counselor by calling 1-855-284-2494. For TTY, dial 724-631-5600. Or text "PA" to 741-741. Trained professionals are available 24/7.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or is considering suicide, help is available. Reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or contact Crisis Text Line by texting PA to 741-741.

A Plain Communities Helpline is also available through WellSpan at Philhaven at 717-989-8661. The Plain Communities Outpatient Clinic provides high quality mental health care that is sensitive to the values of the plain sect community.