The Silent Struggle: Mental Health in Farming with Haley Mills
Welcome back to Field Good Life! Today, we’re diving into a topic that isn’t talked about nearly enough—mental health in farming. Joining me for this conversation is Haley Mills, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with deep roots in agriculture. Haley brings both personal and professional insights into the struggles farm families face, particularly during tough economic times.
The Weight of Farming: Economic and Mental Struggles
As I’ve shared before, I recently visited Washington, D.C., to advocate for stronger economic support in the Farm Bill. Across Eastern Arkansas, we’re witnessing family farms restructuring, closing, and struggling under financial pressure. And with financial strain comes a significant impact on mental health.
Haley understands this firsthand. She grew up in Jackson County, surrounded by agriculture on both sides of her family. After spending a decade in acute care nursing and experiencing her own mental health struggles as a young working Mom, she realized the dire need for mental health resources in rural areas. That realization led her to specialize in psychiatric care, where she now helps her patients, including farmers and their families, navigate mental health challenges.
Signs of Mental Health Struggles in Farm Families
Farming is unpredictable. Between volatile markets, relentless work hours, and the uncertainty of the weather, stress becomes an ever-present shadow. In family farms, that stress doesn’t just impact one person—it extends to spouses, children, and even extended family members who feel responsible for each other’s well-being.
So, how do we recognize when someone is struggling? Haley highlights some key signs:
Withdrawal from social interactions or daily activities
Chronic stress manifesting as physical symptoms like fatigue, hypertension, or pain
Uncharacteristic mood changes, irritability, or increased anxiety
Reluctance to seek help or acknowledge emotional struggles
And here’s something crucial: the people suffering the most are often the ones who stay silent. Breaking that silence is key to breaking the stigma around mental health.
The Unspoken Burden of Being ‘The Strong One’
To the outside world, Haley’s grandfather was thriving, but behind closed doors, the burden of responsibility took a toll on his health. He suffered a fatal heart attack at just 55 years old—a loss that deeply impacted her family and reinforced the need for mental health awareness in farming.
“There’s this expectation to always be the strong one,” Haley explained. “Not just in silence, but in being the fixer—the person everyone relies on. That pressure can be crushing.”
Coping Mechanisms and Seeking Help
Farm families often rely on avoidance as a coping mechanism. The mindset of “just keep working” can be a temporary distraction, but it doesn’t address the root of the problem. Avoidance, overworking, and even neglecting physical health are common pitfalls.
Haley emphasizes the importance of:
Acknowledging the struggle: Talking openly about stress instead of bottling it up
Seeking professional help: There are more resources now than ever, including telemedicine options that make mental health care accessible—even from a tractor cab
Checking on each other: If someone in your family or community seems off, reach out. A simple “How are you really doing?” can open the door to important conversations
Suicide Rates in Farming: A Growing Concern
The statistics are staggering. Suicide rates in rural areas have doubled between 2020 and 2023. Farmers, particularly men, make up a significant portion of those affected. The weight of financial uncertainty, generational expectations, and social stigma around mental health makes it difficult for many to seek help.
But there is hope. Awareness is increasing, and programs like the University of Arkansas Extension’s Farm Stress Management and Resilience program are equipping farm families with tools to recognize and address mental health challenges. More information can be found at this link.
Taking the First Step
If you or someone you know is struggling, there are options. Haley’s practice in Northeast Arkansas works closely with therapists and offers medication management to support mental health in a holistic way. Telemedicine is also a game-changer, allowing farmers to seek help without leaving their work behind.
“The hardest part is taking that first step,” Haley says. “But once you do, you’re not alone.”
Farming is more than a job—it’s a way of life, and one that comes with immense pressure. As we continue to advocate for economic support in agriculture, we must also advocate for mental health awareness. It’s not weakness to seek help; it’s strength.
Let’s keep this conversation going. Check in on your neighbors, talk to your family, and remember—your mental health matters.
Listen in & let’s keep the conversation going:
💚: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7qyvBlygvDOY9EZ4wTmEcV?si=cf714f69cfd842f1