Before we begin, a quick note: today’s episode will cover sensitive topics, including mental health and suicide in rural communities. If you or someone you know is struggling, this conversation may be difficult to listen to. Please take care of yourself and know that help is available. If you need support, we encourage you to reach out to a mental health professional or contact a suicide prevention hotline. Listener discretion is advised

I know this sounds alarming but I feel it is VERY important to start this episode saying if you are currently in crisis and need urgent help call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room. There is also a suicide & crisis Lifeline you can call or text at 988. There is also a crisis text line, text “START” to 741-741.

Today we will cover this very important but often under recognized topic of Rural Mental Health. We know that all mental health is an important topic but there are some special and unique barriers to managing mental health that rural Americans often experience. The negative perceptions surrounding mental health issues create significant obstacles for many individuals in rural areas when it comes to seeking assistance. Then there are the physical barriers and physical barriers or lack of services and distance between the need and the assistance. National Farmers Union has partnered with other agriculture organizations to provide some free benefits for mental health and wellness. And we will visit about some resources specific to Rural America and Montana.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

Farm Crisis Center https://farmcrisis.nfu.org

TogetherAll Togetherall.com

Farm Family Wellness (accessible through togetherall.com) farmfamilywellness.com/pas-services

Ask In Earnest www.askinearnest.org

The Do More Agriculture Foundation http://www.DoMore.Ag

Western Regional Agricultural Stress Assistance Program www.farmstress.us

AgrAbility, cultivating Accessible Agriculture www.agrability.org

National Suicide Prevention Hotline 9-8-8

Beyond The Weather through Montana Department of Ag- https://beyondtheweather.com/

AgriSafe provides safety information at www.AgriSafe.org