Agriculture is crucial to our state and local economies, and we are thankful for all the hard-working farm families that work day in and day out to feed, clothe and fuel our world. The agricultural industry features many unique stressors and struggles and often people can feel isolated in this line of work. Below, you will find nationwide and state mental health resources available to farmers and farming communities.
If you are experiencing a crisis, please reach out to a healthcare provider or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Healthy Minds, Healthy Lives
The Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) received a $500,000 grant from the United States Department of Agriculture National Institute for Food and Agriculture’s (NIFA) Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) Program. A portion of the funding was provided to the Indiana Rural Health Association (IRHA) to reduce mental health stigma and connect individuals to resources.
Healthy Minds, Healthy Lives is offering regional workshops across the state of Indiana. The workshops are three-hours in length starting at 8 am and concluding at 11 am. Lunch will be provided following the workshops for registered attendees.
Workshops will focus on mental health, telehealth, Purdue Farm Stress program, and statewide resources, including Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR), an acclaimed suicide prevention program. These workshops are for farmers, farm families, agribusiness organizations, and others who serve or work with the agricultural community across the state. Registration is required. Regional workshops will be held as follows:
- December 7, 2022 - Ivy Tech, Logansport
- January 18, 2023 - Community Foundation Seymour
- February 15, 2023 - Firemen's Building, Warsaw Parks & Rec, Warsaw
Registration for these workshops here.
IRHA is also offering 1- hour sessions to agricultural organizations. Agenda will include an explanation of mental health providers; stress management techniques/activities; telehealth information/resources; and Questions, Persuade, Refer (QPR) booklets. Contact Program Director, Kathy Walker at kwalker@indianarha.org or call 812-870-4056 to get connected.
Three online QPR trainings are being offered as well. Registration is available here.
All workshops, sessions, and trainings are free of charge.
Mental Health Resources
- Purdue Farm Stress Program
The Purdue Farm Stress team provides tools, resources, and programs to help farmers address the day-to-day stresses and difficulties of owning or operating a business which is subject to so many challenges and uncertainties.
The team delivers two programs, each focused on the health and well-being of farmers. In addition, the team provides a wealth of resources to supporting mental health in agricultural communities.
Click here to view a one-pager
Click here to visit their website.
- Indiana Farm Bureau, Hoosier Rural Resilience
The Indiana Farm Bureau’s Hoosier Rural Resilience program provides resources to rural communities to manage their mental health. Their website includes information on managing stress and anxiety, mental health resources and ways to receive help.
Click here to visit their website.
- Indiana Rural Health Association
The Indiana Rural Health Association (IRHA) was organized in 1997, and since that time has grown and strengthened its membership. Their mission is simple: work to improve the health of all Hoosiers in rural settings.
Click here to visit their website.
- Psychology Today
Psychology Today's Therapy Directory lists clinical professionals, psychiatrists and treatment centers who provide mental health services in the US and internationally. Their website allows you to filter your results to find the best assistance for you.
Click here to visit their website.
Need to Talk?
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. You’ll be connected to a skilled, trained counselor. For more information, visit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Dial 9-8-8 or call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or use the online Lifeline Crisis Chat.
- Veterans Crisis Line
If you're a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, the Veterans Crisis Line is a free, confidential resource that connects you to a real person specially trained to support Veterans.
1-800-273-8255, Press 1 or visit https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
- Indiana Division of Mental Health and Addiction
The Indiana Division of Mental Health and Addiction provides a list of adult mental health providers in Indiana.
Click here to visit their website.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website:
Find resources for veterans, substance abuse, opioid treatment, disaster distress and more.
Click here to visit their website.
- Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI-USA) Farmer Crisis Hotline
If you are in crisis (or know someone else who is in crisis) and need someone to talk to, the RAFI hotline can help. The hotline is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Call 866.586.6746 (toll free)