Mental Health

Several studies by reputable psychologists from The University of California, Davis, and University of Miami and University of Pennsylvania, published in a Harvard Health report, found that giving thanks can make you happier.

With Halloween and the midterm election in the rearview, I’m ready for the holiday season to begin! There is much for which to be grateful this Thanksgiving. I love the holiday season first and foremost because Christmas celebrates the birth of my Savior.

In a stadium packed with thousands of FFA members, these words echoed: “Today is the best day of the rest of my life. I choose to believe, to be open to change, to lead with love, and I dare to be remarkable — I choose to be bold.”

While much research has centered on farm stress, studies have focused on adult farmers and agricultural workers. Children and adolescents, who often have farm responsibilities, have largely been left out of studies and conversation about mental health. That is starting to change.

Incumbent Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker touted the work his administration has done on behalf of agriculture in remarks during the recent Illinois Agricultural Legislative Roundtable candidate forum.

When my family’s beef cattle farm started to experience the first signs of spring, I was excited, although not about the inevitable mud that this season brings Mud means putting chains on all the tractors and splattered windshields and clothes.

Bible verse Mark 5:36 is the anchor message for Beck’s Hybrids new marketing campaign, “Be not afraid, only believe.” This year, farmers are facing unprecedented challenges, including high inflation and interest rates, unpredictable weather and rising input costs.

May was Mental Health Awareness Month, a chance to remember to make mental health a priority. According to Mental Health America, identifying symptoms of poor mental health early is critically important for overall health.

Isn’t it interesting how things change over time? And how certain issues become mainstream? We used to play outside from morning to night, day after day, without a second thought, and now as many as 60 million people in the United States are affected by seasonal allergies.

Matt and I were married in 2012. On Oct. 11, 2013, Matt’s father took his own life. We had been married a mere 13 months and suddenly had to navigate both being young and newly married and taking over the family farm, hog and cattle operation.

Across farm country, folks show up for one another. No need is too big and no task too small for us to pitch in and help our neighbors in rural America.

The farmer is the most valuable asset on a farm. “The farmer takes care of his livestock, crops and equipment, but oftentimes farmers don’t take care of themselves,” said Karen Stallman, agriculture resource specialist for the Farm Family Resource Initiative.

The too-young staffers at the senior center finally figured out that we’re not coming back until COVID is gone. And it’s not gone. In some areas it’s easing up a bit, but here it’s still going strong.

When a person suffers from depression or anxiety it changes their ability to function. “If someone is losing control of who they want to be and they are losing hope, that’s a big red flag,” said Adrienne DeSutter, an agricultural mental health specialist.

It doesn’t have to be Thanksgiving to show gratitude for the good things in life. According to “The Health Benefits of Gratitude” from PIH Health, focusing on good things may improve your mental and physical health.