The Texas Dairy Industry’s Suicide Prevention Initiative
This is a serious topic, and farm families are not immune to it. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 now. This guide covers how to recognize warning signs and support one another.
Why talk about this in the dairy world?
Farm and ranch life can bring isolation, financial pressure, long hours and loss. The headline describes a suicide prevention initiative by the industry in general terms, and specific programs should be confirmed with their organizers. What is clear is that talking openly saves lives.
If you are in crisis right now, call or text 988 or call 911.
If you are worried about someone and cannot tell how serious it is, call or text 988 yourself and ask for guidance. Trained counselors can talk you through the next step.
The 988 Lifeline is for anyone in distress, not just people who are thinking of suicide. If you are worried about money, a relationship, a loss or just feel overwhelmed, a counselor is there to listen and connect you to local help.
What warning signs should you notice?
Signs can include talking about wanting to die or feeling trapped, withdrawing, giving away belongings, big changes in mood or sleep, increased substance use and saying goodbye. Not everyone shows them, and the signs do not always mean a person will act on them, but they should be taken seriously.
The SAMHSA and the CDC publish general information on warning signs and prevention.
Be careful not to leave a person alone if you believe they are in immediate danger. Call 911 and stay with them until help arrives.
If you are supporting someone after an attempt or a loss, take your time. Grief and fear can last a long while, and you may need support too. A counselor, a clergy member or a support group can help.
What should you say to someone?
Ask directly: are you thinking about suicide? Asking does not plant the idea. Listen without judgment, stay with the person and help them connect with support. Do not promise to keep it secret.
Call or text 988 together, or help them reach a doctor, counselor or emergency services. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline also offers guidance to friends and family who are worried.
After a loss in the community, support survivors with practical help: meals, chores, rides and company. Check in for months, not just days.
- Ask directly and listen
- Stay with them
- Connect to 988 or a professional
- Follow up the next day
What about the practical side?
Reducing stress from money, workload and isolation can help. Talk to a lender, accountant or counselor early. Farm Aid offers help for farm families, and the Rural Health Information Hub lists rural health resources.
Dairy operators can build in days off, share work and encourage employees to use help. The rural life guide also covers community support.
Farm lenders, accountants and attorneys can also be part of the safety net. If you work with farm families, learn the signs of distress and keep a list of local resources.
Lenders and advisers who work with farms can make a difference by keeping conversations calm and clear when money is tight. A written plan, a patient tone and a referral to support services can ease pressure for a struggling family.
How can communities help?
Churches, schools, co-ops and Extension offices can host conversations and share resources. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension is often a trusted contact. Train volunteers to listen and to know where to refer people.
Reduce stigma by speaking plainly. Stories of recovery and support help others feel less alone. Be careful with how you describe loss in public, and follow safe messaging guidance from health organizations.
Schools and youth groups should include mental health in their programs. 4-H and FFA leaders can invite counselors to talk with students in age-appropriate ways.
What if you are the one struggling?
You are not a burden, and you are not alone. Reach out to one person today. Call or text 988 anytime, day or night. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
Help is available, and many people recover and go on to feel hope again. For reading that reminds you of the community around you, farm.FM has a dairy section and cowboy poetry, including a farm.FM piece on farm families and mental health. The small farm guide offers practical support on running a farm.
Healing is possible, and communities that talk openly tend to be safer ones. Keep the conversation going.
Keep numbers handy. Put 988 in your phone and on the break room wall. Share it with family and crew, because the time you need it is rarely the time you can search for it.
Sources and further reading
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988
- SAMHSA: behavioral health resources
- CDC: public health
- Rural Health Information Hub: rural health resources
- Farm Aid: help for family farmers
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension: Texas extension service
Ask locally: Call or text 988, talk to a doctor or licensed counselor, or ask your county Extension agent for local resources.