October is National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month: an opportunity to reflect on the burdens and pressures placed on many farmers and how we, as crop insurance agents and provides, can offer them our support.
We were recently reminded of the powerful effect crop insurance can have on a producer's mental health when Brooks York sat down with David Brown, a farmer from White County, Illinois. Watch the video below to hear him tell his story about the devastating drought of 2012, how crop insurance provided a critical safety net during a time of deep uncertainty, and what it meant to him and his family.
Mental health resources
This year, AgriSompo has worked hard to make mental health resources available to farmers, agents and rural communities. Please take a moment to review the resources listed below and to share them with anyone you know who may be struggling.
The AgriStress Helpline is free, confidential and staffed by training professional who understand the unique stressors facing agricultural workers. It is an invaluable resource for anyone who needs support, and is available 24/7 by call or text at 833-897-2474.
Five Common Myths about Rural Mental Illness: This handout dispels some common misconceptions about mental health and suicide, especially as they affect rural communities.
Crisis Resources: This document contains quick links and information for those experiencing a mental health crisis, including specific situations such as domestic violence or substance abuse.
Finding Resiliency During Financial Strain: This 30-minute podcast episode is meant to help farmers experiencing financial uncertainty.
Click here to view our full mental health toolkit, which includes many more tools, links and resources.
AgriSompo's dedication to making a difference
We are proud to say that both Rural Minds and AgriSafe are grantees of the Sompo Foundation, which partners with organizations aligned to our mission and values to positively impact communities where we live and work. Rural Minds works nationally to advance mental health awareness and access in rural areas, while AgriSafe focuses on protecting the health and safety of agricultural workers by equipping rural medical professionals with practical tools and training.
We are so proud of our partner agents who work every day to support America's farmers and ranchers, both through the power of crop insurance and in ways that extend beyond the policy. We are deeply grateful to be a part of that relationship, and will continue doing all we can to support you and your producers.