Mental Health Awareness - Pork Checkoff
Pork producer looking over a field with the sun setting

Mental Health Awareness

Long hours, physical labor, financial stress, isolation and uncertainty due to weather and market conditions — these factors can contribute to increased stress, anxiety and depression among farmers.  
 
It’s important to take the time to check in with yourself, your family and your neighbors.

Five-Step Resiliency Check-in

If you or someone you know is struggling with stress, anxiety, depression or other mental health challenges, you are not alone.

Do a quick check-in by asking these questions.

  1. Is there anything you cannot shake right now? What is it? What do you remember about it?
  2. What did you DO RIGHT in that situation? Even the smallest thing counts. Think of any recent situation if there’s no answer to the first question.
  3. Is there anything you wish you had done differently?
  4. Is there anything you have learned or need to adjust for tomorrow or next time?
  5. Is there anything you feel grateful for or made you laugh in that situation? What about in your recent past?

If you or someone else is answering these questions and have a prolonged absence of positive feelings, it might be time for additional support.