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Get problems out on the table

 

A rural mental health psychologist says family farms undergoing difficult times need to be open about it.

Dr. Val Farmers tells Brownfield one of his best recommendations for managing farm financial stress is for operators to overcome their pride and seek help from financial advisors one or two years before farmers think it’s necessary.  “Become public with your problem and don’t worry about what other people think, then you can take constructive steps to help yourself.  But, if you wait too long or don’t open the mail or talk to your lender, you’re going to dig a deeper hole for yourself.”  He says once the problem is out in the open, the weight of the stress is lifted and the internal pressure starts to see some relief.

Farmer says farm wives can especially feel helpless if their husbands aren’t coping well.  “There’s a double whammy for women.  They see their husband being afflicted or not coping right and they can’t do anything about it.  Then they’re not coping right because they’re worrying about their own situation and family, and then their husband also.”

He says families need to support each other and resources like mediators, extension specialists, financial advisors and faith communities are available to help alleviate the burden.

Farmer spoke with Brownfield at the Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market Expo in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

AUDIO: Interview with Val Farmer