Isolation in Farming and Combating Loneliness

Profile Picture of Post's Author Amanda Borkowski | Posted June 5, 2023

Farmer Wellbeing

It’s June Dairy Month now, but did you know May was Mental Health Awareness Month? You and I both know that farmers and ranchers in the U.S. have demanding jobs that are often compounded by economic uncertainty, vulnerability to weather events and isolation.

Let’s talk about that last tidbit. Just this year, the U.S. Surgeon General released an advisory that highlights how lack of connection with others and loneliness is experienced in half of adults. Now, throw the lifestyle of farming (long hours, busyness, lack of peers understanding the lifestyle, etc.) into that equation and I’m sure that number is more than half of farming adults. Disconnection affects our mental, physical and societal health. Actually, loneliness and isolation can increase the risk for premature death to levels comparable to smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day. Wow!

The high levels of stress, along with burnout and increased risk of depression farmers experience, are magnified by isolation. The changing culture of the farming industry, sense of pride, resistance to seek help, availability of behavioral health resources and competitive nature of the industry are all contributing factors to the mental wellbeing of farmers.

The Key is Connection

So, how can we help fight this? The key is connection and solid supportive social connections can help us deal with life. How can you look for ways to connect in your community, with your family, with your employees and/or with your friends?

The opportunity to connect with others can take as much time as you are willing to give. It can be over coffee at a local elevator, weekly breakfast, regular “shop talk” meetings, stopping in to check on a neighbor or even just chatting with on-farm support, like your GPS Dairy Consultant. Recognizing the importance and making efforts to stay connected with peers helps develop a natural support system that builds resiliency during difficult times.

The benefits of connecting with someone that shares a similar interest, venting and strategizing can have a positive impact on your productivity and overall mental health. Investing time to connect with others could be your best investment in yourself, and it’s an important piece of our personal puzzle that we need to make time for.

Finally, here are some resources to keep on hand should you ever need them:

We are in this together and you are never alone, even if it feels that way. Whether it is a neighbor, family member, co-worker or a stranger over the phone, please reach out if you are experiencing anxiety, depression, or just need a welcoming ear to talk to.

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