farming in COVID-19 masks | Adobe Stock
farming in COVID-19 masks | Adobe Stock
Senator Terri Bryant took to Facebook to show her support for Illinois farmers.
“Pleased to stand for our farmers and farm families,” she wrote.
Bryant is familiar with the difficulties of being a farmer.
In a May 16 Facebook post, the Illinois Department of Agriculture wrote “Our Farm Family Resource Initiative tour continued today in Carbondale. Director Costello was joined by Bryant and SIU System President Dan Mahony to promote our Farmer Mental Health initiative. Stressors on the farm have been especially elevated this year. If you or someone you know needs help with the mental toll farming takes on those in our rural communities call 1-833-FARM-SOS #farmermentalhealth #farmfamilyresourceinitiative”
Senator Scott Bennett said in a release that there’s a stigma against farmers asking for help from the government.
“It’s important for farmers to break the stigma of internalizing their stress and understand they can ask for help,” said Bennett (D-Champaign). “The FFRI program has already proven its success over the past couple of years and has given farmers the opportunity to talk about their struggles to avoid negative consequences.”
In a May 10 press release, the Illinois Department of Agriculture highlighted initiatives to help farmers with mental health issues.
“In just a few short years, the FFRI has already helped many in our farming communities,” Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II said. “Providing confidential access to mental health providers while also breaking down stigmas in seeking help is critical for those working in our state’s number one industry.”
As Bennett said, there are ways farmers can seek help.
The Illinois Farm Bureau offers resources for farmers and their families on its website.
Among the resources they suggest a primary care physician, a mental health care professional, walk-in clinics or the following:
Farm Family Resource Initiative Helpline: 1-833-FarmSOS or 1-833-327-6767
Serves farm families in Christian, Logan, Macon, Macoupin, Morgan & Sangamon Counties
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Crisis Text Line: Text TALK to 741-741
Text with a trained counselor from the Crisis Text Line for free, 24/7
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
Farm Aid Farmer Hotline: 1-800-FARM-AID (1-800-327-6243)
Avera Farm and Rural Stress Hotline: 1-800-691-4336
Illinois Warm Line: 1-866-359-7953 (call) or 1-866-880-4459 (text)
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