Managing Stress in Agriculture

Farming and ranching are physically and emotionally demanding jobs with high risks of chronic stress, anxiety and depression due to a number of challenging factors—many out of their control—including extreme weather, outbreaks of pests and diseases and market volatility. Many deal with the stresses of potentially losing farms that have been in their family for generations.

Mental health concerns affect every community. However, studies have shown that agricultural workers experience higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression compared to the general population.

Farmers are 3.5 times more likely to die by suicide than the general population, according to the National Rural Health Association. A CDC study of occupational suicide risk also found that male farmers, ranchers and other agricultural managers had a suicide rate more than 50 percent higher than the overall suicide rate of men in all surveyed occupations.

If you need support or you want to help someone who may need support, please consult the following resources:

Oregon State University (OSU) offers county-specific resource guides focused on mental health and substance use for each of Oregon’s 36 counties through the OSU Coast to Forest Program.

AgriStress Helpline for Oregon: Call or text the free and confidential line at 833-897-2474. Help is available 24/7 for you or someone you know is struggling or experiencing a crisis.

988 Lifeline: Call or text 988 for free, confidential mental health crisis support.

Agri-Safe Network: If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or is in emotional distress, use the Live Online Chat 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Or look for a behavioral health provider who has knowledge on agriculture with the AgriStress Provider Directory.