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Preventing Suicide in Agriculture and Farming Communities

safeTALK trainings aimed at preventing suicide in agriculture and farming communities across Minnesota are gaining overwhelming interest. The training provides a cultural context of farming communities and the stressors that may be experienced. What is safeTALK? The safeTALK training equips rural community members to recognize and then engage with someone who may be having thoughts of suicide and then connect them to community resources trained in suicide intervention. The ‘safe’ of safeTALK stands for suicide alertness for everyone, and the ‘TALK’ stands for the practice actions that someone can take to help a person with thoughts of suicide: Tell, Ask, Listen and KeepSafe. SafeTALK encourages people to ask about suicide directly if they suspect someone might be in crisis. “Research shows that by asking about suicide directly, you can create an opening in a space to listen and have that person share what is really going on,” said Amy Lopez, State Suicide Prevention Coordinator at the Minnesota Department of Health. Once the conversation is open, the person can be better connected to intervention resources for further support. Upcoming trainings Register for safeTALK – Preventing Suicide in Agricultural Communities to attend an upcoming training or join the waitlist to be contacted if there is an opening, or if more trainings are added. The trainings are provided by the Minnesota Department of Health and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. There is no cost to attend.

Rural Suicide Prevention Kit

The Rural Suicide Prevention Toolkit by the Rural Health Information Hub compiles evidence-based and promising models and resources to support organizations to implement suicide prevention programs in rural communities.

Additional Resources

Transforming Tribal Communities: Indigenous Perspectives on Suicide Prevention

Culturally relevant suicide prevention strategies that are endorsed by community members can lead to long-lasting change. A new video series by the Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) feature expert advice on addressing the root causes of mental health issues and suicide in American Indian and Alaska Native communities by drawing on community strengths.

MN THRIVES

MN THRIVES is a simple tool to promote awareness and communication across Minnesota communities about efforts to support thriving individuals, families and communities.

Consider adding your project, initiative, program or new practice that promotes mental well-being and resilience in your community. Information that is collected will be made available to the MDH Mental Health Promotion website to support statewide networking and assessment of community resources.

Self Care – Handling Special Occasions

Special occasions, such as holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries can be difficult for many individuals, including those who have been impacted by suicide. Here are two articles with tips to help this season:

• Handling Special Occasions – American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
• Stress, depression and the holidays: Tips for coping – Mayo Clinic

Contact Stephanie Anderson at stephanie.j.anderson@state.mn.us to contribute to the Suicide Prevention Newsletter.

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