Dr. Kristy Archuleta knows firsthand the stresses and challenges the agricultural community faces from growing up on a Northern Oklahoma farm. Today, the University of Georgia professor and licensed marriage and family therapist is raising awareness among agriculturalists on the importance of embracing discussions about mental health and mental well-being.
“I grew up on a farm in Northwest Oklahoma, so it’s so important for agriculturalists, farmers, and ranchers to recognize that everybody—your friends, your fellow farmers, and ranchers—are also experiencing these types of symptoms from time to time,” Dr. Archuleta said.
According to Archuleta, one out of five people experience some sort of mental health issue every year. She also says 22 million people experience depressive issues every year — and that is just the people who are reporting them. In terms of profession, farmers and ranchers have disproportionately high suicide rate — many often struggling in silence.
She added: it is important to recognize that it is a normal part of life. However, if metal health struggles linger or grow in an overwhelming amount of stress, it is okay to ask for help.
“If you’re you keep having these symptoms for at least two weeks, you need to pay attention to that,” she said. "[Know] that that’s something, and a pretty good indicator that something is going on—that I need to pay attention to and I need to seek help.”
