Do More AG Foundation offers workshops, helplines and professional support for farmers who need to talk to someone about their mental health or get information.
FORT ASSINBOINE – The Do More AG Foundation shared some frightening statistics on mental health of people in agriculture at a virtual workshop held on Wednesday, Nov. 14.
Depression, Anxiety and Stress affects more than 35 per cent of farmers.
The data indicates that 76 per cent of farmers are susceptible to stress than the general population according to Do More.
#James Donaldson notes: Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes. Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use. Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.#http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle Find out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundation website www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson’s latest book, #CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy
“Do More Ag Foundation creates support programs for farmers built by farmers,” stated Mona Cooley, workshop presenter.
“If it is so hard, why do we do it?” asked Cooley to the group gathered.
Responses varied from proud of being a grower of food for the Country to generational responsibility.
Men in agriculture tend to have physical health challenges like high blood pressure, pain and tiredness.
They are less likely to look for support options or reach out for that support.
Women in agriculture are more often people who juggle between primary and secondary farmers while being primary caregivers for the children, elderly relations or outside of the farm work.
The foundation talks about the stigma that farmers are very strong people who don’t need help from anybody.
The belief that farmers just keep on keeping on no matter how they feel is one many farming families live by.
Farmers live with chronic stress more than the average person which affects anxiety levels, feelings of depression, thinking or memory challenges, physical health issues, and potential relationship problems.
There are healthy and unhealthy ways to cope with stress according to the Do More Ag Foundation.
The most serious situations can lead to burn-out.
Feeling helpless and hopeless, losing motivation to continue as per the workshop discussions.
Signs to watch for include a person withdrawing from family or regular activities, and changes in sleep or eating patterns.
Post-traumatic stress disorder can be experienced by farmers that have had an extreme traumatic stressor or on-going abuse.
Farmers are generous caring people who love the land and their community.
This caring nature can cause mental health stressors and push people to extremes in behaviors including suicide.
The workshop provided counsel on assessing suicide risk.
Talking to a professional is always best.
They recommend being here to listen when people want to talk about things that might be bothering them.
Always be supportive and agreeable, showing empathy to how they feel, avoiding correcting or being negative according to the Do More Ag Foundation.
You can attend a Do More AG Foundation virtual workshop to learn more about helping yourself or helping others you may feel are struggling with mental health challenges.
Everyone has mental health challenges during stressful times and sometimes those feelings don’t go away without help.
There is support available.
The Do More Ag Foundation website is https://www.domore.ag/
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
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