Farmer Suicide and Counseling Programs

If you know anyone with a Farm or Ranch that is struggling there are resources available.

Farming and Ranching is a stressful responsibility; low commodity prices, weather, crop disease, financial worries and regulations all take its toll.

Look out for your friends, relatives, or neighbors who are showing the following signs:

• loss of focus/motivation,
  
• abnormal anger/sadness
  
• alcohol or drug abuse
  
• increased isolation
  
• sudden behavior change that indicates a weight has been lifted off their shoulders
  
• unusual goodbyes
  
• gifting things randomly to people

Ask - Ask if they are thinking about killing or harming themselves, if they say yes ask if they have a plan to commit suicide.
Care - Show them you care if they live or die. Listen to them and support them. Don’t be judgmental or dismissive. Take every threat of suicide seriously.
Escort - Never let someone who is suicidal out of your sight. Escort them to a trained professional or a buddy that you trust to take them to get professional care.

• If it’s an emergency, call 9-1-1
• For FirstLink Help Line, call 2-1-1 National Suicide Prevention Hotline (available 24 hours/day), 1-800-273-8255
• NDSU Extension offers resources for dealing with farm/ranch stress
• Abound Counseling at LSSND offers in-person and statewide tele-health counseling services. Payment options including sliding fee, health insurance and no-fee options through LSSND’s Abundant Care fund, (701) 223-1510
• Take a quick mental health screening! Click Here!!