Advocates Encourage Open Conversations Around Farm Mental Health

Mental Health Nurse Kathleen Jemmett says people should not be afraid to reach out for help.

POCATELLO, Idaho (RFD News) — May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and advocates say it is important to remember the unique pressures many farm families continue facing.

Kathleen Jemmett, a mental health nurse who works with both adults and adolescents, says people should not be afraid to reach out for help when they need it.

Jemmett also shared her perspective as a mother who has dealt with mental health struggles within her own family, encouraging others to continue having open conversations.

While May brings additional attention to mental health awareness, advocates say these are conversations that matter year-round.

RFD-TV will air a special next Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. Eastern titled ProtectHER: The Weight We Carry, hosted by Kirbe Schnoor.

The program will feature conversations with industry leaders working to improve and protect mental health in farming communities.

Related Stories
Rayburn Electric Cooperative’s Chris Anderson discusses rapid AI data center expansion, mounting pressure on the electric grid, and impacts on agriculture and rural communities.
Alan Bjerga with the National Milk Producers Federation shares how teens are helping fuel stronger demand for traditional U.S. dairy products.
For dairy producers, that could help support fluid milk use in cafeterias, breakfast programs, and other child nutrition settings.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold discusses the recent hantavirus outbreak linked to a South American cruise ship and Nebraska’s monitoring efforts on this week’s Rural Health Matters.
Practical changes to retailer stocking standards promote more options all while reducing fraud and abuse in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Dr. Jeffrey Gold joins us on Rural Health Matters to discuss the early warning signs of arthritis, the challenges facing rural populations, and steps individuals can take to manage joint health.

Knoxville native Neal Burnette-Irwin is a graduate from MTSU where he majored in Journalism and Entertainment Studies. He works as a digital content producer with RFD News and is represented by multiple talent agencies in Nashville and Chicago.


LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Bushel’s State of the Farm report found that many producers are willing to test new tools.
NPPC President Rob Brenneman says rising fuel and input costs are creating pressure across pork production despite steady trade.
The family operation says recent storms brought needed rain but also major damage across the farm.
ISA says Southeast Asia continues driving demand for soy-based feed products through expanding livestock and seafood industries.
International Paper’s Rome facility produces roughly 850,000 tons of containerboard each year.
Mexico’s demand for U.S. corn, soybeans, and wheat remained mostly steady during the first quarter, despite higher transportation costs.