Texas Cotton Groups Team Up for Farm Stress Aid
The holidays are upon us, and while they can be stressful for some, for others they can be downright debilitating, intensifying depression and anxiety. Couple that with today’s farm economy crisis, and the feelings of stress and isolation can increase dramatically, leading to depression, substance abuse and suicide.
Plains Cotton Cooperative Association, Plains Cotton Growers, and experts at Texas Tech have teamed up to provide information about how to get help and have hope. PCCA has created a page on their website called “Farm Stress – Help and Hope” with resources and facts about mental health crisis. According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, 91% believe that financial stress or fear of losing the family farm impacts mental health.
“Every day, farmers and their families deal with factors that are beyond their control, which impact their finances, relationships and many other aspects of their operation,” PCG CEO Steve Verett said. “We urge anyone struggling with stress, depression, or suicidal thoughts to seek help, and encourage everyone to check on their family members, friends and neighbors to offer support and help during these trying times.”
Resources include:
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255. The call is free and confidential, and they will connect the caller to a counselor in their area.
- Crisis Text Line. Text HOME to 741741 to be connected to a trained counselor 24/7.
- Farm Aid Farmer Hotline – 1-800-327-6243. Staff will answer calls Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern time.
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