UNICOI, Tenn. (RFD News) — An East Tennessee FFA member is raising awareness about farmer mental health after seeing the impact of Hurricane Helene on her community.
East Tennessee FFA Regional Reporter Abigail Petterson joined us on Tuesday’s Market Day Report to discuss research she began after helping farmers recover from the storm.
In her conversation with RFD News, Petterson said financial struggles were the most common factor affecting farmers’ mental health after Helene. Her research this year found 58% were still struggling with mental health issues, while half said rebuilding efforts alone were not enough to help them recover.
Petterson is now using social media to address the stigma around farmer mental health and raise awareness of available resources.
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