Nancy Thellman, Speaker
A lifelong Kansan, a former Registered Nurse, an ordained Presbyterian pastor, and a former Douglas County Commissioner
Farm Stress: You Are Not Alone
Presentation by: Nancy Thellman
“The trouble is, as farmers, we’re supposed to be these tough guys who run from daylight to dusk, nonstop, and we can put up with anything. But man, these last couple of years, it’s been a struggle.” Those are the words of a young Kansas farmer about the struggles of being a farmer. Farming is stressful even in a good year, but in a bad year (or two or three) stress can turn to sickness, both physical and mental. Erratic weather patterns, low commodity prices, high input and labor costs, heavy regulations, changing trade policies, and generational and cultural shifts in rural life can lead to anxiety, isolation, irritability, relationship struggles, depression, addiction, and even suicide. According to the American Farm Bureau, 82% of farmers say mental health is important, but few are comfortable talking about it. This presentation hopes to break the silence, get past the stigma, and talk about mental health and farming.
*This presentation has the potential to be a panel discussion. Contact Nancy for more information.
Contact Nancy directly about speaking at your event: nthellman@gmail.com