National Farm Safety Week Highlights Mental Health Risks During Stressful Harvest

As harvest season intensifies across the U.S., farmers face not only the physical demands of long work hours but also significant mental health challenges, including higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide compared to the general population. Experts highlight that the unpredictable nature of farming, economic uncertainty, and nonstop work contribute to overwhelming stress and a loss of control among farmers. National Farm Safety and Health Week serves as an important reminder to prioritize both physical safety and mental wellness, with calls for community support and awareness of warning signs such as changes in behavior or sleep patterns. Practical advice for mental health maintenance includes engaging in simple, daily self-care activities and seeking professional help when needed, as resources and hotlines are readily available. Iowa’s Secretary of Agriculture emphasizes the importance of mental health alongside safe equipment operation and road safety during harvest, encouraging farmers to support one another. Overall, the agricultural community is urged to recognize mental health as equally critical as crop health during this intense season.