Letter to the Editor - Time to talk about suicide and agriculture

Editor,

It’s time we talk about one of the most serious issues in rural America, mental health.  More specifically, we need to talk about agriculture and suicide.

A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control shows that there has been a 25 percent increase in suicides in the United States since 1999. Montana experienced about 29 suicides for every 100,000 people — the highest in the nation.

Agriculture is Montana’s number one industry. Farmers’ stress levels are rising for a multitude of reasons, and yet mental health professional shortages continue to plague the frontier. We need to take action now to save lives.

Researchers have demonstrated that one suicide deeply impacts 25 people, and another 115 are exposed to suicide’s devastating impact. One hundred-forty people can be a significant portion of many communities in Montana and other frontier- and agricultural-states. For me, this issue is intensely personal. My father, a farmer, was born on the family farm during the Depression. My father died on the same family farm. We lost him to suicide. Shortly after his death, I decided to do whatever I can to help prevent another farm family from experiencing the same tragedy.

  One major step I’ve taken to raise awareness was to reach out to Sen. Jon Tester, the Senate’s only working farmer.

I told him that we need better mental health services for farmers, ranchers and other folks in agriculture-related occupations.

He listened.

Tester sponsored the FARMERS FIRST Act to establish a new grant program to provide funding for behavioral health professionals. It’s a bill that will take real steps to give farmers the tools they need to relieve stress and live successful, balanced lives.

I want to thank Sen. Tester and ask my fellow Montanans to help those around them who are struggling. At the same time, it’s also important to acknowledge that we are often our strongest when we ask others for help. Together we can make a difference and save lives.

Darla Tyler-McSherry

Shepherd