The Warning Signs of Suicide with Dr. Brittney Schrick

That Farm Life

With rising input prices, financial instability, and extreme weather, people in Agriculture are experiencing more stress than ever. Finding someone to talk to and sharing our struggles with our community is vital for our mental health.

In this episode, Dr. Brittney Schrick, an Assistant Professor Family Life Specialist with the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service shares ways to handle stress in a healthy way. She also frankly discusses some potential warning signs that someone is considering suicide. These signs include:

· Giving away possessions or telling someone where they want their posessions to go after they pass away.
· Talking about a serious accident that may happen in the near future
· Mentioning their death following a certain difficulty such as foreclosure, bankruptcy, etc.
· Saying that their family or farming operation would be better off without them.

When we hear these statements, discomfort may cause us to brush it off. But, asking a follow-up question can save a life. Possible follow-up questions can include “What do you mean?” or “Are you thinking of suicide?”

If you or a loved one are having suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.

You can also contact AR Connect Now, a 24/7 hotline at 800-492-9921 – call any time and within 24 hours they will set you up with a no-cost telehealth session with a UAMS mental health professional.

You can read more about warning signs and how to find help at the following websites:

Suicide Prevention Resource Center

National Institute of Mental Health

NY FarmNet

Links to more information and resources can be found at our website, AgriHealth.net.

That Farm Life Podcast is a resource of Agri Health Network. Questions or comments? Email us at [e-mail].

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That Farm Life is produced by Eagle Farms at Williams Baptist University. That Farm Life Podcast is also a resource of Agri Health Network. For more information and to find more resources, check out AgriHealth.net.

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