Farming is a stressful occupation, and the pressures are mounting for those in agriculture. Chad Smith has more on one resource farmers and ranchers can turn to.

Smith: Farming is a challenging occupation associated with increased levels of anxiety, depression, and even suicide. Jessica Cabrera, managing director of member engagement for the American Farm Bureau Federation, says AFBF has resources to help.

Cabrera: Farm State of Mind is American Farm Bureau's mental well-being campaign. We work to increase awareness and reduce stigma regarding mental health challenges for farmers and ranchers, and we also work to increase access to information, resources, and training for farm and ranch communities across the United States.

Smith: Cabrera says Farm State of Mind has a variety of tools in the toolbox.

Cabrera: We have a national resource directory, helpful tips, and videos. There's a peer-to-peer support network with access to free counseling and consultation services. We offer research. There's a free, on-demand rural resilience training and lots of resources for help with opioid misuse.

Smith: She says it’s incredibly important to get past the stigma of mental health challenges and be open about the struggles.

Cabrera: Farming is a very demanding profession, and there are many, many unique stressors for farmers and ranchers across this country, and unfortunately, suicide rates are two to five times higher than the average rate. This is something that we have to stop. Farmers and ranchers at the farm communities need to believe and understand that reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of strength, and having a healthy farm is nothing if there's not a healthy you.

Smith: For more information, go to fb.org/farmstateofmind. Chad Smith, Washington.

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