Mental Health: Ending the Stigma

May 26, 2023


By: Elizabeth Butcher, Marketing Communications Specialist

As we wrap up Mental Health Month, we wanted to share a few resources to help end the stigma. Mental illness can often look like someone who works till the job is done or someone that is very passionate about their lifestyle. Under the dedication, hardworking appearance is someone who covers their personal emotions because they are under so much pressure that they cannot stop due to overwhelming stress. In the case of farmers, you’re strong, hardworking, busy, and have a passion to feed the world. Society has created a stigma to think that pushing through stressful times and ignoring warning signs and symptoms equals strength and nobility.

But it is important to take time to reflect, recharge and recuperate. Allowing your body, mind, and spirit to relax creates a healing environment. Stepping away from the daily stress that comes with rural living can look like spending time with family, pets, friends, or outside enjoying fresh air. As farmers, you know that regular equipment maintenance is important. Although turning your attention from equipment to yourself is the hardest part of the conversation, others care about you and are ready to help. Take time for your physical, emotional, and mental health. It is just as important as regular equipment maintenance. Take time to go to the doctor. Talk to a friend. Rest your body. Drink water. Eat a balanced diet. These are all things that can help reduce stress and create a healthier lifestyle.

Oftentimes rural communities are very close knit similar to a big family. Learn to protect your community by ending the stigma around mental health. Encourage your family to be healthy, even if it means sharing tough information or creating boundaries to reduce stress. Indiana Rural Health Association is passionate about starting the conversation to end the stigma around mental health. They teamed up with Indiana State Department of Agriculture to offer seminars and workshops that train people in rural communities to discuss mental wellness, reducing stress, and breaking the stigma.

Farmers are an important part of our world. Keeping them healthy is a big job. As partners to the local rural community, Superior Ag wants you to be the best version of yourself. We encourage you to take a small break out of your daily hustle to maintain your overall well-being. If you haven’t heard from a close friend, call them. If you know someone that has experienced trauma or tough times, visit them. If you have good news, share it. Celebrate the little things, talk to the people around you. Make connections to your community. Most importantly, take time to appreciate the small things. Together we can end the stigma.



Below are some resources to help yourself or your community.