Just One Step

As farmers, we usually start the day with a full list of things to get done. No matter how hard we try to do it all ourselves, our work is always made better with more hands pitching in. The challenges we face mentally work in the same way, and the only way we can reach success, just like our endless to-do list on the farm, is one step at a time.

Unfortunately, there is still a stigma when it comes to rural mental health. And when no one is talking about it, taking steps towards mental wellness can feel overwhelming – leaving us lost on how to start. That is why as we mark May as Mental Health Month, Farm Bureau is focusing on the theme: just one step. Even the biggest and hardest jobs have to begin with just one step. What a powerful reminder that we don’t have to fix it all at once, and that sometimes the best action we can take for ourselves or someone else is to take that first step.

The First Step toward Mental Wellness

I have often talked about how stress can build up like a pressure cooker. If we don’t find healthy ways to relieve that pressure, we are bound to hit a breaking point. The long hours on the farm, the uncertainty of business and the isolation that comes with farming can pile on stress in our lives. While farmers are some of the strongest, most resilient people I know, that doesn’t mean we’re invincible. A healthy farm starts with a healthy farmer, and that includes our mental and emotional well-being. It’s time for all of us to take just one step to help break the harmful stigma surrounding mental wellness in our rural communities.

The first step towards mental wellness doesn’t have to be complicated – it's about progress not perfection. Just one step of the mental health journey may look like going for a walk, calling up a trusted friend, or just taking time to reflect at the end of the day. For me, one of those steps has been starting each morning out with a devotional and prayer. This is a small but important habit for me, and it helps reset my mind and prepare me for what lies ahead. The first step may look different for everyone, but whatever it may be, it is worth taking.

As we take a step toward mental wellness, we also can encourage our family, friends and neighbors to do the same. Mental health challenges show up in small ways: changes in routines, missing events or even less interest in things we enjoy. We can’t wait until someone raises their hand for help or until we have the perfect words to say. We need to make a habit of checking in on our loved ones and neighbors. You never know how much a text, a call or a visit can do for someone going through a tough time.

Farm Bureau’s Focus on Mental Wellness

At Farm Bureau, we have also been working to make it a little easier for folks to take the first step. Our Farm State of Mind page is full of tools, resources and support to help you navigate your mental health. You can find stress management tips, training to help support your circle and access to Togetherall, an anonymous, online community that offers peer-to-peer support 24/7, moderated by licensed mental health professionals. Togetherall also offers an agricultural–specific group to share similar stories, and free counseling through the partnership with Personal Assistance Services. Whether you’re looking for how to get started or just need a reminder that you’re not alone, Farm State of Mind is a safe place to start.

Mental Health Month is a great reminder for all of us to check in, but the practice of supporting one another and working on mental wellness is a continuous journey. Taking just one step can be the start to something bigger, and it could make all the difference for you or someone you care about. Let's all start today by taking just one step – and then keep it going.