Free Counseling for the Montana Agriculture Community
Partnering with the Montana Department of Agriculture
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The past few years have been stressful. Especially for our Montana producers.
Depression, anxiety, and other trauma-related symptoms are common reactions during a disaster such as a global pandemic or a drought. You are not alone. Seeking support, resources, education, and simply reaching out are positive steps to take to deal with the overwhelming uncertainty that our producers are faced with every day.
We've partnered with the Montana Department of Agriculture to provide access to free counseling services for Montana farmers and ranchers. Appointments can occur either in-person or online through video meetings.
We've partnered with the Montana Department of Agriculture to provide access to free counseling services for Montana farmers and ranchers. Appointments can occur either in-person or online through video meetings.
“ Working in Agriculture is stressful—plain and simple,” said Christy Clark, Director at Montana Department of Agriculture. “ Montana’s farmers and ranchers are carrying heavy workloads, braving the elements no matter the weather, not to mention taking care of equipment, animals, family members, and everything else that comes along with their work of feeding the world. Our department is excited to roll out resources to ensure our producers are taken care of first and foremost, because they are truly the most important part of their operation.”
How do I know if I need counseling?
We all have bad days. And it can be hard to know when it's simply a bad day, and when you need should reach out for help. Know that there is never a wrong time to reach out. If you're feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or just need some support, help is here.
A good signal that it's time to reach out is when these feelings are interfering with your ability to be your best self. Maybe you're struggling to sleep, or you're not eating as much as you usually do. Maybe you're interacting with your friends or family in different ways, possibly being more irritable or cranky or short tempered than usual. If you're noticing any of these signs, especially for two weeks or more, it is time to reach out.
There are also several assessments you can take yourself to better understand if what you're experiencing warrants seeking additional help We recommend taking the "Patient Health Questionnaire - 9" (PHQ-9) if you're unsure about whether to reach out. The assessment can be taken at the link below.
A good signal that it's time to reach out is when these feelings are interfering with your ability to be your best self. Maybe you're struggling to sleep, or you're not eating as much as you usually do. Maybe you're interacting with your friends or family in different ways, possibly being more irritable or cranky or short tempered than usual. If you're noticing any of these signs, especially for two weeks or more, it is time to reach out.
There are also several assessments you can take yourself to better understand if what you're experiencing warrants seeking additional help We recommend taking the "Patient Health Questionnaire - 9" (PHQ-9) if you're unsure about whether to reach out. The assessment can be taken at the link below.
How do I find the right counselor?
We know it can be difficult to find the right counselor. Sometimes there are too many options to choose from, other times it seems like your town is too small and it will be impossible to find someone you're comfortable with. And how do you know if they truly understand the challenges that come with being a farmer or rancher?
We've partnered with several counselors throughout the state that have personal experience working in agriculture or agricultural communities and offer their services both in-person and via telehealth. These are all counselors that we trust to provide the best care possible.
We've partnered with several counselors throughout the state that have personal experience working in agriculture or agricultural communities and offer their services both in-person and via telehealth. These are all counselors that we trust to provide the best care possible.
Schedule Your Appointment
Follow the steps below to schedule your appointment.
