Cultivating Mental Health: A Farmer's Journey

By Neil Melancon & Karl Wiggers

Louisiana Farm Bureau News

In the sweltering heat and amidst challenging drought conditions, the rice crops in Vermilion Parish continue to persevere. The same tenacity can be seen in the farmers themselves, who grapple not only with the unforgiving forces of nature but also with mounting stress and mental health challenges. As rice farmer Allen McLain, Jr. reflects, "It's probably one of the biggest mind games because you're spending all of this money. It's a mind game and it's a life full of stress." 

Mental health has become an increasingly pressing issue among farmers and ranchers in Louisiana and across the United States. The burden of unpredictable weather patterns, fluctuating market prices, and the weight of financial investments can take a toll on their mental well-being. As McLain explains, some days it can be difficult to leave the worries of the field behind, stating, "You just need to realize that whenever you get a chance, you just have to take that deep breath and be thankful for what you have." 

For many, farming isn't just a job; it's a way of life. The boundaries between work and home blur, especially when multiple generations work together. McLain emphasizes the challenges of working with family, noting how it can be challenging to detach from the work mindset and simply enjoy personal moments. 

However, some challenges go beyond the confines of the farm. Almost three years ago, a tragic accident claimed the life of McLain's daughter, Kaylee. The grief that followed compounded the stress of farming life. "It's been probably the hardest thing that you have to deal with," McLain admits. "Working with family after this tragedy, it was a blessing, because it was very hard on me to get up and go and be able to leave the house for multiple hours at a time because you just can't get your mind right." 

In times of profound sorrow and mounting stress, finding solace in faith and community support becomes imperative. McLain underscores the power of prayer and time in healing. He advises, "You just got to find where you can just calm down and start your day. It takes time to understand and enjoy things and just notice things that you've never been noticing before." 

As he rides across his farm, McLain now spots purple flowers scattered across the landscape, a vivid reminder of his late daughter's love for them. These simple moments of reflection and appreciation, whether for a field of blooms or a tranquil moment on the porch, serve as a respite from the daily stressors that farmers encounter. "It clears your mind," McLain says, "let’s calm down, let's move forward, and enjoy the day." 

Reaching Out for Help 

If you or someone you know is in a mental health crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. The Louisiana Farm Bureau offers essential resources. For mental health resources tailored specifically to farmers and those in rural areas, visit the Louisiana Farm Bureau's website at www.lafarmbureau.org/mentalhealth. Here, you can find information, support, and guidance to help navigate the unique challenges faced by those in the farming community. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and there is support available to help farmers cultivate not only their land but also their mental resilience.