In recognition of Suicide Prevention Month, farmer and rancher Brent Brewer spoke with Farm Director KC Sheperd about farmer mental health resources and the critical issues of mental health and stress management within the agriculture community. Brewer, who began his advocacy as a “sideline” with the Farmers Union, noted that his mission has since “gone national”. He emphasized that his work is not limited to farmers alone, stating, “It’s stress and life in general. No matter what walk of life you come from, it’s always great to know how to relieve your stress”.
Identifying and Alleviating Stress
Brewer explained that recognizing the signs of stress is as essential as knowing how to perform CPR. He identified a lack of sleep and waking up in the middle of the night as common indicators of personal stress. As simple remedies, he suggested sleeping with a television on at low volume to help the mind relax and rest, a practice he and his wife have adopted.
He also stressed the importance of taking breaks. “I also suggest, you know, plan a play date with your spouse,” he said, citing his own planned trip with his wife to watch “Mutton Busting” at the Kay County Fair to get a “little bit of break from our farm life”.
Unique Pressures on the Farming Community
Brewer acknowledged that farmers are often “really private” and that mental health can be a “taboo” subject. He underscored the unique challenges of the profession, particularly the financial and emotional burdens. He said that, unlike other business owners, when a bank forecloses on a farm, a producer risks losing their business, their job, and often their home. Brewer, who farmed through the 1980s, said he watched neighbors “put up their farms for sale” during that period.
Accessing Support and Resources
Brewer shared how his advocacy led to the creation of a vital resource. Despite not being a doctor or psychiatrist, he was approached by mental health professionals who valued his input as a farmer. He recommended the creation of an “easy-to-remember number”. This initiative, a collaboration with Arkansas, Texas, and Kansas, led to the establishment of 988, a national lifeline that can be reached by phone or text. Brewer is “so tickled to get that” because it provides a way to get people help “in a hurry”. 988 is a direct, three-digit lifeline that connects you with trained behavioral health professionals who can get all Oklahomans the help they need.
For those who are struggling, Brewer urged them not to be “scared to go talk to your doctor”. He emphasized the importance of getting a proper diagnosis and ensuring that brain chemicals are “balanced” so you can “operate at your top efficiency”. He concluded with a final piece of advice for managing anxiety: “One of the good things you can do is just breathe and relax”. He also shared a personal method, saying that petting his dog helps “bring my blood pressure down and relieve a little of the anxiety that I have.”
He concluded with a final piece of advice for managing anxiety: “One of the good things you can do is just breathe and relax”. He also shared a personal method, saying that petting his dog helps “bring my blood pressure down and relieve a little of the anxiety that I have. For other farmer mental health resources, you can visit 988 Oklahoma’s Website.
