For the farmers, ranchers, and families who feed the world.
Farming is more than a job—it’s a lifestyle built on resilience, dedication, and long days in the field. But that same strength can also make it hard to ask for help. As harvest ramps up and the hours stretch longer, now is the time to talk about something that often gets overlooked: your health—especially your mental health.
The Silent Strain of Farming Life
Farmers face unique stressors that many people never experience. It’s not just the unpredictable markets, equipment breakdowns, or long hours away from family—it’s the pressure of keeping a multi-generational legacy going in all conditions.
- According to the CDC, farmers are among the top five occupations with the highest suicide rates.
- Studies show rural men are 2x more likely to die by suicide compared to urban counterparts.
- Depression and anxiety often go unrecognized in farmers due to stigma, isolation, and lack of access to mental health care.
And that’s just the mental toll.
What Else Might Be Going Unchecked?
- Long hours in equipment can cause chronic back pain, circulation issues, and joint problems.
- Prolonged sitting can contribute to high blood pressure and blood sugar complications.
- Sleep deprivation during planting or harvest can impair decision-making and immune response.
- Allergies and respiratory concerns tied to grain dust, mold, and field chemicals often go untreated.
- Many farmers delay care, often seeing a provider only when it becomes urgent.
The Check-Up That Could Change Everything
Whether it’s you or someone you love, routine wellness checks can make all the difference. Early detection of health issues—both mental and physical—can save lives, prevent accidents, and help keep your farm and family running strong.
Kittson Healthcare offers:
- Primary care services close to home in Hallock and Karlstad
- Mental health screenings and referrals
- Back-to-school physicals and immunizations for kids
- Flexible scheduling for seasonal availability
- Support for all ages—from newborns to our cherished elders
For the Wives, Partners, and Loved Ones Reading This
You know the signs. The weariness, the isolation, the unspoken stress. Your voice matters. Encourage your loved one to book a checkup—sometimes all it takes is that extra push.
