NAFDMA invites you to take time for YOU and PAUSE with us. Emphasizing your mental health and wellness, PAUSE stands for: Priority, Awareness, Unplug, Support and Exhale.
Here, you'll find a curated collection of online inspiration and resources for navigating the stress of owning and managing a farm, developing a work-life balance and encouraging everyday mindfulness. The resources featured here are accessible and available to all regardless of membership with NAFDMA.
NAFDMA debuted its PAUSE initiative at the 2026 Agritourism Convention and Expo with the PAUSE Wellness Lounge - an intentional space to rest and recharge during the Convention.
NAFDMA is committed to continuing to explore ways to prioritize the awareness and focus on mental health and well-being in the agritourism industry.
Why mental health and well-being matters for those working in agriculture:
According to the American Farm Bureau Federation's website, multiple studies reveal that farmer suicide rates are 2-5 times higher than the national average. You don't have to manage your stress alone.
National Suicide and Crisis Help:
Call 988
988lifeline.org/
If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or suicidal thoughts, help IS available through the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and website listed above. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States.
One project painting the world with Suicide Awareness
Blue Tree Project is a mental health charity that began in 2019 after the tragic loss of Jayden Whyte, a much-loved son, brother and friend to suicide in 2018. Blue Tree Project began as a grassroots initiative in regional Western Australia which has grown into a widely recognized and impactful global movement. Blue trees now stand proudly across the globe, with over 1,400+ registered blue trees. These striking symbols of hope have resonated deeply, sparking open and meaningful conversations, positively transforming attitudes towards mental health.
Explore tools for improving mental health and well-being:
- Togetherall - Free, online peer-to-peer support. Togetherall is a safe community to support your mental health, 24/7. You can use Togetherall anonymously and free of charge thanks to the Farm State of Mind Alliance
- AgTalk - Powered by Togetherall - A supportive agriculture community at your finger-tips. Watch how to join the community conversation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVg1Wj6QMaE
- Mental health assessment quiz - Answer a few questions using these assessment tools from Mental Health America to help start a conversation with your medical or mental health provider.
- Changing your thoughts with an AI Assist - Spiraling negative thoughts? Rumination? You can use this AI Assist from Mental Health America to help re-frame your thoughts.
- Participate in free, virtual COMET training hosted by the University of Minnesota Extension. COMET stands for Changing Our Mental Health and Emotional Trajectory. COMET is a two-hour interactive training program designed to help people support others who may be seen sad, anxious, distracted, or depressed. It was developed collaboratively by the High Plains Research Network Community Advisory Council, a grassroots group of ranchers, teachers, small business managers and others from rural eastern Colorado, along with rural mental health professionals and health researchers. To learn more about COMET and view the upcoming training schedule, click here: https://extension.umn.edu/mental-wellbeing/comet-changing-our-mental-and-emotional-trajectory
Keep the conversation going:
https://www.nafdma.com/work-life-balance-on-the-farm
https://www.nafdma.com/grit-and-the-pause-that-keeps-us-going
https://www.nafdma.com/a-recent-phone-call
We encourage you to prioritize your mental health and well-being by routinely checking-in with yourself, your peers and our collection of online resources. Be Well.