Farm Stress

South Dakota farmers and ranchers are a vital link in our nation’s food supply system. That vital link comes with a stressful responsibility and gamble: unpredictable weather, crop disease, volatile markets, heavy workloads, financial worries and regulations that all take their toll.

If your friend, relative or neighbor is beginning
to show signs, such as loss of focus/motivation,
abnormal anger or alcohol abuse, you can help. 

SDFU has a responsibility to protect South Dakota farmers and ranchers in good times and bad.  The following resources can help.

WHERE TO GET HELP:

• If it’s an emergency, Call 9-1-1
• For FirstLink Help Line, call 2-1-1
• National Suicide Prevention Hotline (available 24 hours/day), 1-800-273-8255 Text HOME to 741741
• Farm Aid Hotline 800-327-6243
• US Department of Health & Human Services: 
  • https://www.mentalhealth.gov
  • https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
• South Dakota Department of Social Services:
  • https://dss.sd.gov/
• Farm and Rural Stress Hotline – Avera:
  • https://www.avera.org/services/behavioral-health/farmer-stress-hotline/
• National Farmers Union Farm Crisis Center:     
  • www.farmcrisis.nfu.org
• Mental Health America – Mental Health Screening:
  • https://screening.mhanational.org/screening-tools