Farmer Mental Health, Self-Care, and Toolkits
If acute mental health concerns arise for yourself, a family member, colleague, or partner, please use these Mental Health Resources for support or suggest them to others.
Farming is intertwined with our identities, shaping the rhythm of our days, our relationships, and our sense of purpose.
At its best, farming is a deeply fulfilling vocation - there’s beauty and pride in stewarding the land, feeding our communities, and engaging in work that constantly invites us to keep learning.
But it also takes a toll. Financial instability and land insecurity, unpredictable weather, long days working alone, and the juggling of off-farm jobs, caregiving, and community obligations can all contribute to a heavy mental (and physical) load.
And this year, those stressors are only deepening.
This year, we’re witnessing unprecedented cuts to critical federal programs and a rise in harmful rhetoric and policies targeting Black, Brown, and other people of color, LGBTQ+ folks, and women—adding emotional weight and uncertainty to already full lives.
These factors have resulted in some alarming statistics on farmer mental health, including rates suicide, chronic stress levels, anxiety, depression.
So What Can We Do?
Take a Moment for Self-Care
Self-care isn’t just about spa days (though those can be great too). It’s about sustaining ourselves in work that asks so much of our bodies and minds.
As Real Farmer Care puts it: “Self-care is the practice of taking an active role in protecting and improving one’s own well-being and happiness, particularly during times of stress.”
Self-care doesn’t have to be big! It can look like fueling your body with a healthy meal, getting deep tissue massage, taking time off the farm (hard, but worth it), or connecting with a peer or therapist.
We know it’s not easy—especially during the busy season. But dedicating time tending to your health reduces burnout, eases stress, and helps you show up more fully—for your loved ones, your customers, and yourself.
Acknowledgement & Awareness
Even small gestures matter. Research shows that naming the challenges and expressing appreciation—“I see how hard you’re working” or “You’re doing a lot”—can help reduce stress, especially for those holding multiple roles.
Breaking the Isolation
One of the most powerful antidotes to chronic stress is by building community and investing in relationships, especially with other farmers. That’s why we’re hosting Farmer Socials with Urban Soil health this summer and fall—casual, welcoming gatherings for conversation, shared meals, and support. Come as you are. Check out the schedule to see if one is happening near you!
Fortunately, with increased awareness comes normalization, care, and resources. Here are some toolkits that we find helpful:
Health Care Insurance Options for Farm Business Operations: This farmer-vetted guide is a great starting point for navigating health insurance as a farm owner or farmworker.
Farm AID Resource Guide from Women: this resource highlights networking, wellness, and funding opportunities for women and femme farmers.
The Cultivemos Network has resources and solutions created by and for Black and Brown farmers.
Discussion on Farmer Mental Health and Climate Change: You can listen to this video like a podcast when on the go!
Rural Response to Farmer Mental Health and Suicide Prevention: A mix of research and resource roundup from Rural Health Information Hub.
