High Plains Mental Health
Vast prairie, unpredictable weather conditions, long work hours – farming and ranching can be a stressful business. Farm families often face heightened levels of stress because so many factors influencing their livelihood (like the weather and commodity prices) are beyond their control.
Stress is a normal part of life, and farm families are often very resilient! However, sometimes stress can become too much and overwhelm our natural ability to cope. In these challenging times, it’s important to have someone trustworthy to talk things over with.
Here at High Plains Mental Health Center, we understand the unique challenges faced by farm families. Several of our staff also come from agriculture backgrounds, and many of our therapists are AgriSafe Farm Response Certified to better understand your concerns.
With more than 50 access sites in 20 counties and more telehealth options for your family’s privacy and convenience, We’re Here for You. A sliding fee scale is available to make care affordable for any budget.
Help is always just a phone call away, with mobile crisis options and after-hours support also available. Just call 1-800-432-0333 or 988 to be connected with a mental health professional.
There are also self-care steps that may help rural residents cope with rising stress levels:
- Set priorities and plan your time. Say no to extra commitments that you do not have time to do.
- Try to reframe stressful situations. Try to see the big picture and look for solutions.
- Remember that most situations are temporary and strong feelings will fade.
- Take time to notice and appreciate what you have accomplished.
- Focus on relaxing your body and mind. Try taking deep breaths.
- Tune into your body and take care of it. Exercise regularly and eat well-balanced meals.
- Limit intake of alcohol and stimulants such as coffee, soda and tea.
- Take a break. You can exercise for a few minutes, take a walk, or pause to appreciate the beauty of nature.
- Before responding to a stressful situation, pause. Take deep breaths and slowly release them to release unnecessary stress.
- Find someone that you can talk to about your worries and frustrations.
- Engage your social support systems. Families with greater community involvement and stronger social networks are often more resilient.
- Look for the humor in the things that you do.
- Seek help when you need it. Everyone needs help sometimes. If stress is affecting your relationships, your work, or you feel like it is taking over your life, help is available! Mental health care is health care.