Agriculture and Suicide
CENTRE FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION AND MENTAL HEALTH COMMISSION OF CANADA
Introduction
Farming and ranching are considered two of the most stressful occupations, both physically and mentally. Unique factors associated with agricultural work may contribute to poor mental health outcomes and even suicide. In Canada, producers (farmers and ranchers) are especially prone to mental health challenges such as depression and anxiety, and they may have less resiliency because of the stressors they experience (Jones-Bitton et al., 2020). While much of the research on resiliency focuses on farmers specifically, some of the factors farmers face are similar to what other producers may face.
Statistics
An estimated 225 million farmers worldwide may struggle with their mental health (Hagen et al., 2019).
In Australia, farmers die by suicide at double the rate of the general population (Arnautovska et al., 2014).
A survey of over 1,100 Canadian producers found that farmers are facing multiple mental health complications: 45% reported high stress, and many fell into classifications for anxiety (57%) and depression (35%) (Jones-Bitton, n.d.).
Why are farmers at risk?
Certain factors can place some people at a higher risk for suicide than others, and when multiple risk factors outweigh the factors that build resiliency, there is an increased likelihood that a person may think about suicide (Sharam et al., 2021).
Financial uncertainty
Farmers face financial uncertainty due to factors outside their control, which can cause significant stress. They rely on favourable weather for lucrative crops, they may have debt due to the high cost of running a farm, and they are affected by economic factors such as tariffs and trade agreements.
Barriers to mental health services
Because farmers (and other producers) often live in rural and remote areas with small populations, they have limited access to mental health care. While emerging technologies and telehealth may help to mitigate these hurdles (Rojas et al., 2020), over half of Canada’s producers have no access to high-speed internet, which is a barrier to accessing virtual services (Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, 2019). Even with access to mental health care, farmers may be reluctant to seek help. Not only is there is stigma about doing so in agricultural communities as it is often seen as a sign of weakness, there may be concerns about confidentiality in smaller areas, where a person’s neighbour could also be their counsellor.
Isolation
Farming and other agricultural work is often done in isolation. These communities can be small and tight knit but also sparsely populated, which means fewer resources that can offer them support and connection. While self-reliance and autonomy may appeal to some farmers, isolation may lead them to feel as though they’re all alone in their struggles. People feeling isolated or depressed need to know they don’t have to feel that way. Support is available.
Blurred distinction between work and home life
Producers often live where they work and can therefore feel as though they should always be working. They may also feel pressure to work while the weather is favourable. These factors can make it hard for them to de-stress and relax. In addition, since many agricultural operations are family enterprises, family dynamics, generational differences, and farm transitioning can increase tensions in their work and home life.
Easy access to firearms
Farmers and ranchers may have easy access to firearms, which are the most lethal suicide method (Arnautovska et al., 2014; Morgan et al., 2016; Jones-Bitton et al., 2020).
What can be done to reduce these risks?
Many factors can contribute to building resiliency in farmers:
Supportive and strong relationships
Financial security
Access to confidential mental health care (in-person, on the phone, online)
The ability or willingness to share and express emotions
The readiness to look for support when it’s needed
The safe storage of firearms: locking them away, removing ammunition, and storing ammunition separately
(Houle et al., 2008; American Psychological Association, 2005)
Warning signs
Any significant change in behaviour or mood is a warning sign that someone may be thinking about suicide. For example:
Losing interest in a previously enjoyed hobby or activity
Disconnecting from friends or family (not calling as much, not going out)
Changes in sleeping or eating patterns
Statements of hopelessness or talk of being a burden can also be warning signs:
“I don’t want to have to rely on others for help…. I’m such a burden.”
“I feel like I have no control…. What’s the point?”
If you notice any of the following signs, get the person help immediately – call 9-1-1 or the Canada-wide crisis line at 1-833-456-4566:
Threatening to hurt or kill themselves
Talking or writing about dying or suicide
Seeking out ways to kill themselves
(American Association of Suicidology, 2020)
What can we all do to help reduce suicide among farmers?
Individually, we can create a safe space to share and express emotions through open, non-judgmental conversation and gentle questioning, particularly for men. We can also check in with them regularly to have a dialogue and build strong social connections.
If someone you know is exhibiting warning signs, talk with them. You can start by mentioning your concerns: “I haven’t heard from you much these days. Is everything okay?” Keep the conversation going by asking questions and listening to what they’re saying. You don’t have to offer solutions. If you’re still worried about them, ask: “Are you thinking about suicide?” If they say yes, don’t panic. Let them know you’re there for them and help them access mental health supports, including giving them the crisis line number, 1-833-456-4566.
We as individuals can show and express emotion, ask for help when it’s needed, and let everyone else know that it’s okay to do that, too. We can also have more meaningful conversations by asking, “How are you really doing?” if we think they may be struggling.
What can communities do to help reduce suicide among farmers?
Rural and remote communities can ensure access to the mental health supports that are available in-person, online, or by phone. Make people aware of these supports through information campaigns, including campaigns about suicide prevention, that seek to reduce stigma and increase help seeking and offers of help.
Communities can create opportunities for social connection by inviting people to get involved in an activity.
Supports and services tailored to farmers’ mental health should be developed as part of a national strategy (Jones-Bitton, n.d.).
Healthcare providers can identify people (particularly men) who may be thinking about suicide by being alert to subtle cues that may indicate they are struggling, such as body language and tone of voice. Better training is needed to ensure that these professionals are able to detect depression (Ogrodniczuk & Oliffe, 2011; Paraschakis et al., 2016).
What can farmers do to stay mentally healthy?
Maintain and prioritize strong, positive relationships
Learn to share emotions and open up to supportive people
Create space and time for relaxation and self-care
Seek help when it’s needed, and explore options for mental health care offered online or on the phone
Know what resources are available for mental health care and financial support and to help you connect with other farmers
Resources and initiatives for farmers
A not-for-profit organization focusing on mental health in agriculture across Canada through awareness, community building, and resources. These include Talk, Ask, Listen, a half-day mental health workshop specifically tailored to agriculture, and AgCulture, a program designed to teach mental health professionals about the unique stressors in agriculture.
A four-hour mental health literacy workshop designed to show farmers how to help each other
A mental health and mental wellness resource web page maintained by Farm Credit Canada
An information sheet with helpful suggestions produced by the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association
Mental Health for Farmers – First Aid Kit
An informative website by Ontario’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs with helpful resources for the mental health and wellness of farmers
Au Coeur des Familles Agricoles – Milk Run Program (French only)
A Quebec not-for-profit organization offering free support services for farmers, including checking in to assess their mental health, offering respite from the farm when needed, and intervening with farmers in distress
References
American Association of Suicidology. (2020). Warning signs. https://suicidology.org/resources/warning-signs/
American Psychological Association. (2005). Men: A different depression. http://www.apa.org/research/action/men.aspx
Arnautovska, U., McPhedran, S., & De Leo, D. (2014). A regional approach to understanding farmer suicide rates in Queensland. Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, 49(4), 593-599. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-013-0777-9
Hagen, B. N. M., Albright, A., Sargeant, J., Winder, C. B., Harper, S. L., O’Sullivan, T. L., & Jones-Bitton, A. (2019). Research trends in farmers’ mental health: A scoping review of mental health outcomes and interventions among farming populations worldwide. PLoS One, 14(12), Article e0225661. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0225661
Houle, J., Mishara, B. L., & Chagnon, F. (2008). An empirical test of a mediation model of the impact of the traditional male gender role on suicidal behavior in men. Journal of Affective Disorders, 107(1-3), 37-43. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2007.07.016
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. (2019). High-speed access for all: Canada’s connectivity strategy. https://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/139.nsf/eng/h_00002.html#c
Jones-Bitton, A., Best, C., MacTavish, J., Fleming, S., & Hoy, S. (2020). Stress, anxiety, depression, and resilience in Canadian farmers. Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, 55(2), 229-236. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-019-01738-2
Jones-Bitton, A. (n.d.). Submission to the standing committee on agriculture and agri-food: Strengthening Canada’s agriculture sector — A Canadian network for farmer mental health. https://www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Committee/421/AGRI/Brief/BR10199410/br-external/UniversityOfGuelph-e.pdf
Morgan, M. I., Hine, D. W., Bhullar, N., Dunstan, A. D., & Bartik, W. (2016). Fracked: Coal seam gas extraction and farmers’ mental health. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 47, 22-32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2016.04.012
Ogrodniczuk, J. S., & Oliffe, J. L. (2011). Men and depression [Commentary]. Canadian Family Physician, 57(2),153-155. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3038800/
Paraschakis, A., Michopoulos, I., Christoduolou, C., Koutsaftis, F., & Douzenis, A. (2016). Psychiatric medication intake in suicide victims: Gender disparities and implications for suicide prevention. Journal of Forensic Sciences, 61(6), 1660-1663. https://doi.org/10.1111/1556-4029.13195
Rojas, S. M., Carter, S. P., McGinn, M. M., & Reger, M. A. (2020). A review of telemental health as a modality to deliver suicide-specific interventions for rural populations. Telemedicine and e-Health, 26(6), 700-709. https://doi.org/10.1089/tmj.2019.0083
Sharam, S., Smith, M., Kemp. T., Shelly, B. & Feddersen, M. (2021). Promoting “Zest for Life”: A systematic literature review of resiliency factors to prevent youth suicide. Journal of Research on Adolescence, 31(1), 4-24. https://doi.org/10.1111/jora.12588
