Expert: How to Help a Farmer Struggling With Stress

UMN Extension’s Emily Krekelberg outlines today’s top farm stressors, key signs of mental health distress in rural communities, and the resources available for support.

ROCHESTER, Minn. (RFD-TV) — While harvest might be behind us, several stressors still weigh on farmers today, from finances to trade tensions. Emily Krekelberg with the University of Minnesota Extension joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report to talk about some of the significant signs of mental health distress and health resources rural Americans should keep in mind.

In her interview with RFD-TV News, Krekelberg addressed the primary stressors that farmers face today and shared insights from the agricultural community regarding mental health. She also highlighted the signs of distress that farmers and producers should be vigilant about in themselves and others, as well as the best ways to approach someone who may be struggling but is having difficulty discussing their problems. Finally, she provided information on several available resources and training programs for rural communities.

Related Stories
Dr. Jeffrey Gold, President of the University of Nebraska, joins us to discuss the signs and symptoms of cataracts, as well as the available treatment options.
The Arkansas Farm Bureau offers a ‘Beef in the Classroom’ grant to assist with ag education. Applications for that program open in August.
In honor of Rural Road Safety Week, we’re highlighting some commonly overlooked hazards on rural roads, where 40 percent of all fatal crashes in the United States occur.
The network includes labs across the country that track diseases like New World Screwworm, which could see a rise in cases with hurricane season approaching.
Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS) hosted the talks. The senator and doctor joined us on Wednesday on RFD-TV’s Market Day Report to recap the critical discussions surrounding human health in America.
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins made the announcement yesterday at the grand opening of a new food safety lab in Missouri, where researchers will do Listeria testing.