Conferences
Farmer Perceptions of Mental Health, Treatment and Stigma
Jodi Richmond and Alexandria Smith
Summary
Compared nationally, West Virginia currently ranks lowest for life expectancy, highest for drug related deaths and 35th for access to adequate health care (WV DHHR, 2022). The state also ranks first in the nation for depression with one in four adults experiencing some form of depressive condition each year (CDC, 2020). Additionally, the rurality of the state may limit social interaction and availability of medical treatment facilities (Brew et al., 2016).
The situation is even more dire for those in farming related occupations. Farmers often struggle with management of stress, utilizing appropriate coping strategies, and accessing mental health resources. They report lower mental health and well-being scores than those in other occupations but are less likely to seek treatment for physical and mental health concerns (Hagen et al., 2021; Brew et al., 2016). Long, hard days under physically and mentally demanding conditions can lead to exhaustion, injury, and even premature death. This also leads to a higher than average incidence of mental illness and suicide than most other occupations.
Farmers may avoid treatment due to stoicism, fear of stigma, social isolation and topophilia. Consequently, WVU Extension is exploring coping strategies, their utilization, and perceptions of mental health among farmers in West Virginia. Outcomes are directing programming to increase the awareness of mental health issues and utilization of services and support programs as well as developing positive coping behaviors. This poster will focus on farmers perceptions of mental health as expressed on our statewide survey and individual interviews of farmers.
Details
| Conference | 2025 Extension Risk Management Education National Conference |
| Presentation Type | Poster |