Finding Support Through Community: Three Farmers Share Their Stories of Resilience

Today, the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Farm State of Mind initiative released the first episode in a five-part video series, Finding Hope Together: A Farm State of Mind® Insights Series. Every Wednesday in September, we’ll share new episodes that explore different aspects of mental health challenges among farmers and rural communities, and innovative ways people are coming together to find solutions.

In this first episode, three farmers with different farm businesses and experiences — Davis Peeler of South Carolina, Steve Breeding of Delaware, and Whitney Lawson of Oklahoma — sit down with series moderator Lydia Johnson for a brave and honest conversation about how generational dynamics, divorce, alcohol use, and circumstances that are unique to farming like time spent alone and overworking have impacted their lives, and how they’ve overcome those challenges.

Almost anyone involved in farming will relate to pieces of our guests’ stories, and their message is one of encouragement, optimism and support. In addition to opening up, they share suggestions for farmers who may be concerned about a neighbor, or who are wondering where they might find resources for themselves.

When asked why it’s important for more farmers to tell their stories, Davis Peeler said, “You never know how your story may impact someone. It’s not easy to share your story … but the only weak person is one who won’t seek help. Farming is hard on its own, much less with life’s struggles that come in on top of it.”

View the full episode, and subscribe to receive others in your inbox, at FarmStateOfMind.org.

This series will air in September, in observance of Suicide Prevention Month, but our hope is that the conversations spur action year-round. Future episodes will feature grassroots advocates, clinical experts, storytellers and industry stakeholders. The series is meant for anyone looking to support mental health well-being in rural America, whether that’s in your hometown, among your co-op or other network, or on a regional or national scale. 

If you or someone you know needs help, call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.