Study Identifies Barriers Farmers Face in Finding Mental Health Support

A five-year study led by Penn State University found that the biggest barriers farmers face to obtaining mental health support are rural health care shortages, long wait times for appointments and travel time, as well as high health care costs. Although mental health initiatives often address the perceived stigma of seeking mental health support, this study suggests that resources to address financial challenges and help with paperwork could be effective ways to aid farmers. “Based on what we heard from people who regularly work with farmers, we found that many farmers appear to be more willing than able to seek help. And that applies for financial and mental health challenges, meaning that they appear more open to getting help than what previous studies have inferred, but run into barriers that makes it harder to get help,” explained senior author Florence Becot.

Related ATTRA publication: Farm Stress and Emotional Well-Being