By Leanne Porter and Eva Griffin, Farm First
A hard-working Vermont farmer went to her doctor to discuss debilitating knee pain. Presumably with good intentions, the doctor said, "oh, you're a farmer, you don't feel pain!"
Although we appreciate this doctor’s admiration for how tough farmers are, we understand that it is more about how tough farmers *have to be* to maintain a livelihood, no matter the personal toll.
For many farmers, the nature of their work means that their own minds and bodies are the most important tool they have to ensure a successful business. In this way, farmer injuries can lead to a great deal of social and emotional stress, and additional health issues.
Any kind of pain, whether physical or emotional, makes it harder for a person to get through the day. While this is as true for farmers as it is for anyone else, they often confront the assumption in their communities that they can tough it out alone, no matter the circumstances.
For example, in an attempt to be supportive, the same doctor told this injured farmer patient that farmers “just have to push through and be strong.” Ironically, this pressure can leave farmers feeling isolated, gradually turning a painful situation into an unbearable one. It’s the idea that the only way you can take pride in your work is by struggling alone no matter the harms you face.
This story came up in conversation during our farmer peer support network meetings. Vermont has started an innovative program where farmers can call other farmers who are trained as supportive mentors, to talk about stress (learn more at farmfirst.org).
After hearing this story, a different farmer peer said “I keep thinking about this perception that ‘farmers don't feel pain’ as a large contributing factor to what leads to complete collapse.”
“I keep wondering, what if farmers were allowed to feel pain and be seen as strong, by themselves and others, for acknowledging that pain, getting the support they need and moving through it?” I wish farmers could be seen as both strong, and just as physically and emotionally sensitive as everyone else. I wonder if this would make it easier for them to reach out when they need support, or just want to connect and be heard and seen?”
We feel fortunate that the stigma around farmers seeking mental health support has improved dramatically in Vermont, which has impacted farmer resilience, even at times as harsh as the disastrous flooding that we are dealing with. Farmers can and should take pride in recognizing that the smartest decision for their farms, businesses, families, and themselves is NOT to struggle alone when there is help available.
We are glad to have received calls from farmers across the state who are realizing that they need help and are finding the courage to ask for it. As usual, farmers are showing the strength to meet new challenges and adapt to their circumstances, which includes knowing when to reach out for support. We hope the public perception of farmers can catch up.
For more information on Farm First, please call or visit our website:
Call: (802) 318-5538 during daytime work hours (8:00 AM-4:30 PM M-F)
Call: 877-493-6216 outside of daytime work hours
Email: Eva Griffin at EvaG@farmfirst.org
Website: https://www.farmfirst.org/