HIGHER RISK POPULATIONS

Suicide Among Farmers and Ranchers

Rural Communities Face Unique Mental Health Challenges

Agricultural workers have some of the highest suicide rates of any occupational group — research has shown that farmers and ranchers may be up to 3.5x as likely to die by suicide than the general public. And when you look at the day-to-day life of people who rely on the land to make a living, you can start to understand why: long hours of manual labor, unpredictable weather, equipment breakdowns and extended periods of isolation can all add up to a lot of stress.

South Dakotan farmers and ranchers know how impactful an extra set of hands can be — and taking care of your mental health is no different. If you’re going through a tough time, there are tailor-made resources to lend a listening ear and help you manage stress.

About 23% of people living in rural areas reported having any mental illness in 2022 .
The suicide rate in rural communities is nearly twice as high as in urban areas.

Talking About Mental Health

Mental health and substance use disorders are even more common among rural communities than in metropolitan areas, but the resources for addressing them can be more scarce. That’s why communicating openly about mental health is a vital way to show support if you have a farmer or rancher in your life.

Longstanding fears of judgment by family, friends and community members for appearing weak or unable to deal with life’s challenges keep many people from seeking help in rural areas. Let your loved ones know that it’s okay to not be okay. Let them know that putting in the work to improve their mental health is respectable, constructive and a sign of strength.

The good news is that attitudes are shifting and more options for support are becoming available. Several organizations offer specialized hotlines to help address farmers’ unique needs, and advancements in telehealth means that for many, treatment is only a video call away.

Other High-Risk Populations

Older Adults

Older Adults

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Veterans

Veterans

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Youth and Parents

Youth and Parents

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