Something that is not talked about enough is mental health. 

The stress of maintaining a legacy can weigh heavily on one’s shoulders. As ranchers, we are known for being hardworking, dawn til dusk, always giving our land everything we’ve got, because that’s how we were raised.  

We work hard to feed our families and enjoy the livelihood of ranching.  

Occasionally, heavy thoughts about ourselves can sneak up on us, even when we least expect it. And it’s hard to talk about, especially living in small towns.  

The following conditions need an official diagnosis from a healthcare provider. 

 

Anxiety  

We all experience stressors from time to time, whether that is family issues, financial, or operational problems. When it starts affecting our daily life and activities, that is when we need to take a step back and ask ourselves if we are really doing okay. 

Anxiety, also called excessive worry or stress, can start from early childhood to adulthood. Symptoms include excessive worrying, crying, fear, isolation, trouble sleeping, and more.  

Carrying the life and legacy of ranching is our livelihood. We have big shoes to fill, so our children’s children have a land to enjoy and look after.  

If you find yourself staying up late, worrying about what the next day will bring, you might want to reach out to a healthcare professional. 

 

Depression 

Okay, yes. We can shed a tear or two! But, if it starts affecting us more than we like it to, it may be time to talk to someone about it. Depression symptoms include a low mood, little to no interest in things, irritability, lack of sleep/ or too much sleep. Depression can happen at any age, or after an event, such as a loss. 

Keeping and attending to land is exhausting and can be tough mentally, too. If you’re having a hard time, you’re not the only one. Depression is one of the most common conditions in the United States. 

In the city, if you need help, you usually have hundreds of doctors to choose from. But in rural areas, 65% of us do NOT have a psychiatrist! So, where do we go?  

Luckily, there are resources to help ranchers battling mental health conditions. (And you can do so anonymously.)  Check out ruralminds.org for programs, webinars, and crisis resources. There is help out there if you want to take the next step.  

 

Worry Less with Us 

Unexpected events on the ranch, such as a heatwave or drought, can stress out any rancher. With our products, we care about you and assure you that your water is monitored in near real-time! In MyRanchbot, you can check your water from anytime and anywhere! Now that, my friend, saves time and gives a peace of mind.  

  

Agristress Helpline- Free confidential support for farmers, ranchers, and producers in Texas: Call or text 833-897-2474 – 24/7, 

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential support 24/7. 

https://www.ruralminds.org/crisis-resources 

https://www.ruralminds.org/serving-rural-america 

https://ecornell.cornell.edu/custom/rural-mental-health/