Iowa farmers facing stress, anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges have access to free and confidential support through the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation’s Personal Assistance Services (PAS) program.
According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, affordability and accessibility remain the biggest barriers preventing many farmers from seeking mental health care. To help address those challenges, Iowa Farm Bureau offers resources designed specifically for farmers, farm families, and rural communities.
Iowa Farm Bureau Federation President Brent Johnson emphasized that confidentiality is a key part of the program.
“We really don’t track anything, so there is no good way for us to know how many people are using the service or what is being talked about,” Johnson said. “All of these conversations are confidential. Whether they are one-on-one with a real person or just reading articles, there’s really not a good metric there, and that’s not the design. It is simply there to be helpful for folks when that service is needed.”
The services are provided by rural mental health clinicians, many of whom have farming backgrounds or understand the unique pressures facing agricultural communities. Assistance is available for issues including stress, anxiety, sleep concerns, substance abuse, family challenges, and more.
In addition to PAS, Iowa Farm Bureau maintains a list of mental health resources, Iowa-based support services, and suicide prevention information available to all Iowans.
Research cited by the American Farm Bureau Federation shows that suicide rates among farmers may be two to five times higher than the national average. Financial uncertainty, volatile markets, severe weather, natural disasters, and other farming-related pressures can contribute to elevated levels of stress, anxiety, and depression.
Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis or concerned about a loved one can contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. The service is available 24 hours a day and also offers online chat support.
More information about Iowa Farm Bureau’s Personal Assistance Services program is available through Iowa Farm Bureau.
