Ag Stress
Relief Tools

Mental Health Resources for
CT Farmers and Farm Families

Every person in agricultural businesses across Connecticut knows that life in this industry can be uncertain. Unpredictable. Unforgiving. And stressful. That’s why we’ve compiled a collection of mental health resources especially for the people who make Connecticut’s agriculture industry work. You’ll find tools, information, interviews, webinars, and videos that will help you cope when the coping gets tough, and remind you that you’re not alone.

Get Help Now!
Emergency Resources

Free and confidential 24/7 crisis and support line with trained agricultural specialists.
Confidential multilingual helpline for crisis intervention and referrals to services in your area.
988 is the 3-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Crisis Text Line: Text CT to 741741
Receive access to crisis counselors when you need it.
For parents and caregivers to support kids in a time of crisis.
When it builds up, talk it out. For parents and caregivers.

Resources for Managing and Reducing Stress

Visit the Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services website to locate your area's crisis and non-emergency mental health resources.
UConn’s Farmer Stress Support Resources has webinars, videos, and links to other programs.
The No Till Farmer has resources on sustainable farming – including the mental health of farmers.
Purdue University has an extension for “today’s farmer,” with health and well-being resources.
“Farm Stress and Decision-Making During Challenging Times” is an article that addresses the causes of stress, and some solutions.
“13 of the Best Mental Health Apps” connects you to apps for specific needs: Anxiety, breathing, meditation, and more.
“Getting your hands back on the wheel” is a short presentation from a farm business consultant that teaches you to “focus on controlling the controllables.”
The FarmResponse Provider directory was created to help farmworkers and their families search for healthcare providers who are knowledgeable about working in agriculture.

Videos & Webinars to Support You with Reducing Stress

Your Farm's Not Perfect (And Recognizing Your Success).
Farm Talk: A conversation about stress with CT farmers.
What It's Like: What to expect if you want to see a therapist.
Hear the stories of fellow ag workers dealing with mental health issues.

Provider Resources

Continuing Education for healthcare professionals to prepare them to provide appropriate mental health care for agricultural producers and their families.
A course designed for people who work with young adults in agriculture. Focus is on decreasing stigma, improving mental health literacy, and coping skills.
The QPR mission is to reduce suicidal behaviors and save lives by providing innovative, practical, proven suicide prevention training. Find a training near you by visiting their website.
Mental health resources focused on reducing agricultural injuries, diseases, and fatalities.

Family Resources

English and Spanish language information to help kids in crisis.
For parents and caregivers who need someone to listen.
A resource center for wellness among children.

Peer-to-Peer Networking

A thriving social media community of Ag professionals.
A statewide network of farmers and growers bringing young, new and emerging farmers together to identify and help develop support systems to nurture a successful and diverse agricultural landscape for our state.
Mobilizing Veteran farmers to cultivate agricultural solutions for a vibrant and sustainable Connecticut. Visit their Facebook page to learn more about monthly meetings and special events supporting veteran farmers.

Business Resources

General
Financial
Labor
Land Access
Legal
Veterans
An interactive map that connects to CT state USDA centers.
Farm State of Mind. A national directory of farm-related resources.
Programs to educate the public and people trying to solve agricultural, public health, and environmental problems.
A leader in agriculture programs, providing valuable technical assistance to our community.
Using education, promotion and legislative advocacy to increase farm income and improve life for Connecticut farmers and consumers.
A network comprised of faculty in the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources with Extension appointments and faculty and staff in the Department of Extension.
A lender specializing in the unique needs of agriculture.
Promoting compliance with labor standards to protect and enhance the nation's workforce.
Offers a “matchmaking” component that connects farmers to resources, consultations, and technical assistance.
Providing resources for farm succession, training, education, 1-on-1 advice, and more.
Helping agricultural communities resolve and manage disputes with mediation, facilitation, and training.
A free service that connects eligible farmers, food entrepreneurs, and food-related organizations to volunteer attorneys.
Mobilizing Veteran farmers to cultivate agricultural solutions for a vibrant and sustainable Connecticut.
Connecting vets with the equipment they need to start a business in agriculture.