Farmers have nearby resources for mental health

Agriculture and ag-related businesses are leading industries in Minnesota and are typically the lifeline that keeps rural communities alive. Drive through any rural area in Minnesota, and you’ll see miles of row crops and hay, grain elevators, co-ops, livestock production, and farm sites. Turn towards the north, and your scenery might change — showing you a different side of agriculture with more logging and mining, but it’s agriculture nonetheless.

Deep Roots

By Whitney Nesse

higher than those in metro areas; and the people group most affected by suicide in rural areas is middle-aged men. Those statistics were attributed to the lack of help available to people outside of the metro areas and the extremely highstress, high-demand, and financially risky agricultural work environments.

port and are more confident in our role of breaking the silence tied to the subject of suicide.

So often, we see the industry’s products; but rarely do folks who pass through see the hardworking individuals behind them. Our beloved Minnesota needs the agricultural industry; but even more, she needs the people who drive the industry.

During April and May, I had the opportunity to attend a class for rural clergy and ministry leaders regarding suicide prevention. The Minnesota Departments of Ag and Health partnered with Living Works Faith to offer a five-week, interactive Zoom course.

I was saddened and astounded by the lack of training offered on the subject of suicide, the suicide statistics in rural areas, and the social stigma which is still present around the topics of mental health and suicide. However, I also have hope for our rural areas as training like this becomes more available and widespread. I was proud that the MDA and MDH recognized that rural ministry leaders are often the people who rural folks turn to in times of trouble and distress.

Some of the teaching points in the course included sharing statistics for rural areas that, to me, were staggering. For example, the suicide rates in rural areas are 2.5 to three times

At first, I couldn’t believe my ears; but with more thought and discussion, reality set in. For many, working in agriculture is not just a job — it’s a lifestyle, and they’ve never known anything else. At least, that is true for me. I grew up on the farm and have worked ag-related jobs my whole life. I have found myself in impossible situations, at the mercy of the markets, where the balance sheets are all red, and the thought of letting go of the only lifestyle I have ever known is present. It is frightening and hopeless.

During the class, a poll was taken, asking the ministry leaders how much suicide prevention training they have. For most, the answer was less than six hours of training.

In another poll, the question of how many in the class have been affected by the suicide of another person or have had suicidal thoughts themselves, and the answer was 100 percent. Therefore, every person in the class has been affected by suicide in one way or another. For this reason, I am so glad that the MDH and MDA were willing to recognize faith’s vital role — specifically in rural areas — and partner with a faith-based learning center to provide training.

So frequently, in rural areas, ministry leaders offer counsel to those in their communities. Now, many of us are better equipped to come alongside individuals and families to offer sup-

One of the passages that gripped me as the class was looking at the topic of suicide through the lens of Scripture was from Acts 16. While the Apostle Paul and Silas were imprisoned, they began to worship God with hymns and prayer. While they worshipped, a violent earthquake caused the prison doors to open and everyone’s chains to come loose. When the jailer woke up and saw what had happened, he assumed all the prisoners escaped and was about to fall on his sword. Verse 28 says, “But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!’” The jailer stopped his actions and allowed himself to be ministered to by Paul and Silas.

I want to encourage you if you feel desperate, hopeless, or out of options. We are all here! Whether you are a person of faith or not, ministry leaders across the state are here! We are willing to walk alongside you during the darkest moments of your life.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, help is available. Call or text 988; chat online at 988lifeline.org/ chat/; call the Minnesota Farm and Rural Helpline at 1-833-600-2670; text the word FarmStress to 898211; contact Farm and Rural Counselors Ted Matthews at (320) 266-2390 or Monica McConkey at (218) 280-7785; or contact a ministry leader from your area.

Whitney Nesse is a sixth-generation livestock farmer who is deeply rooted in her faith and family. She writes from her central Minnesota farm. v