Stop the stigma and step in – Farm Progress

A tragedy recently struck in Towner County, N.D. a triple-murder suicide that took the lives of four individuals, according to the countys sheriff department. So far only one victim of the tragedy has been identified Leeds farmer Doug Dulmage.

Dulmage is described by his friends and family as being a pillar of the farming community, who served as Benson County Farm Bureau president and as a volunteer first responder. He was a quiet and gentle leader who had a great passion for agriculture, says North Dakota Farm Bureau President Daryl Lies.

No further details have been made public at this time. But the tragedy is a reminder to the rural community, especially those in agriculture, that situations rife with anxiety and tension are common. And with the stress of harvest season here, North Dakota State University Extension specialists share ways to respond to people in emotional or mental distress.

Knowing what to watch for in friends, family and community members can start a course of action to help individuals in distress.

Some of the signs of distress can be shown as:

After recognizing one or more of these signs of distress, the specialist say to express your concerns to the person. For example, inquire about stressful circumstances brought up by the individual, share that youve noticed their absence for their usual morning coffee, or simply say youre concerned for their health and want to help.

If the person has had prolonged periods of distress, mentions self-harm or suicide, exhibits confusion or isolation, makes ending statements such as I cant go on anymore, or makes statements about hurting or killing others, NDSU Extension says you need to consider if they pose an imminent threat to themselves or others right away. Talk with the individual if you can, asking more about behaviors exhibited in these warning signs.

Sometimes deciphering what behaviors should be immediately concerning versus someone experiencing a rough week can be difficult. Behaviors can be lumped into three categories:

1. Imminent danger is clearly present. Such a situation would require immediate professional intervention. Examples include:

These situations are serious and should immediately lead to calling 911. If you feel safe, stay with the person until help arrives and talk to them to gather any information you can. If the person becomes violent or has a gun, immediately leave and call 911.

2. Threat of imminent danger is unclear. Situations that could be unclear about the presence of imminent danger includes:

In these circumstances, NDSU Extension says to stay with the person, and call or text a local or national suicide prevention lines (988 for call; 800-273-8255 for call or text). If the person is not a family member, ask the person for permission to contact their family. If the person leaves and youre concerned for their safety, call 911.

3. No danger is present. Sometimes situations in life can lead to difficult times without the presence of imminent danger. Seeing a person crying or angry after getting off of the phone, saying things are difficult financially or otherwise is normal as long as there are no other warning signs.

Seeing a co-worker or friend deal with a major family illness can be struggling to emotionally manage, but again as long as there are no accompanying warning signs this can be normal.

For these instances, reach out and as much as you are comfortable with to listen and provide support. Make plans to check in with them again soon, and discuss options for counseling services or other help for the person. If other warning signs begin to emerge, remember how to determine the presence of imminent danger.

While there may be stigma in the agriculture industry when it comes to asking for mental health support or offering that support to another, NDSU Extension says that your health is important. Life stresses can be overwhelming, and that doesnt make anyone weak, just human.

Feeling stress, or being exhausted or blue doesnt make anyone a failure, the specialists say. These feelings can be similar to a check engine light on your vehicle. They may mean that a break is needed to focus on your most important asset in farming and ranching your health.

For more ways to help yourself and community members, check out NDSU Extensions publication on recognizing warning signs of distress.

Check out these resources offering help on depression, anxiety, suicide risk or substance abuse:

211. A call to 211 connects you to a 24-hour helpline for health and human services information. Visit myfirstlink.org for further resources.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Call 988, or call or text 800-273-8255 for 24-hour crisis support in the case of suicidal or mental health issues.

Crisis Text Line. Text the word HOME to 741741 across the country to connect with a trained crisis counselor for assistance 24/7.

Local help. Many communities have mental health resources through clergy members, medical professionals, emergency room personnel, mental health professionals, school counselors, social workers or other professionals.

911. Always call 911 for any emergency situation where an imminent threat is determined.

NDSU Extension contributed to this article.

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Stop the stigma and step in - Farm Progress