Rural risk

Farmers and ranchers are at greater risk for suicide than other populations. Stressors including reliance on weather conditions, fluctuating crop prices and social isolation – when combined with easy access to guns and other lethal means – all contribute to high suicide rates among agricultural workers.

Farmers and ranchers are at greater risk for suicide than other populations. Stressors including reliance on weather conditions, fluctuating crop prices and social isolation – when combined with easy access to guns and other lethal means – all contribute to high suicide rates among agricultural workers.

Settings where populations at high risk for suicide can be found and where outreach can be effective include:

• Farm credit offices

• Unemployment offices

• Juvenile detention facilities

• Home health care settings

• Youth and women’s shelters

• DWI court

 

Emotional states most associated with suicidality:

• Hopelessness

• Loss of self-worth

• Perceived loss of desired

• Depression level of functioning

 

SOURCE: Research on the Reduction and Prevention of Suicidality: PA-MH-03-120, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services

 

 

, , , , , , ,