The feeling of the recent cooler temperatures means fall is fast approaching and along with this comes harvest and school right around the corner. Many individuals are making mental notes of what crops are still to be harvested, checking moisture content for corn silage, pregnancy checking the cows, weaning calves, weather checking for the next rain storm/frost, is the field dry enough to get the crops out, the children are heading back to school, the list just keeps growing with no light at the end of the tunnel.  With all these factors piling up it plays a role in everyone’s life; stress, less sleep, worry, pushing yourself to get everything done before the rain, frost or snow starts to come and make everything to wet to finish.


Mental Health and Suicide affects everyone from children thru adulthood, whether it be emotional, psychological, or social well-being.  It affects us in everyday life on how we handle stress, make choices or relate to others.  Mental Health & Suicide is an illness that makes us unsure of discussing how we feel, our beliefs and attitude towards ideas and people.  It is important that we change the negative aspect of talking about Mental Health and Suicide to a positive and that it is okay to have these hard conversations with someone.  In the end it could be a life changing experience for someone to choose life.  

September 10th marks World Suicide Prevention Awareness Day.  Take a few minutes out of your day on this day or any day and reach out to a neighbor, friend, family member, stranger or even a child and be that person that carries on a conversation with them to see how they are doing, how was the first week of school, give a hug to someone that may look like they need just a little extra reassurance that it is going to be okay.  These random acts of kindness and an ear for listening could be a change that they may have needed at that moment to make a positive impact in their life.

As we enter this busy season of feeling like time of completing tasks is getting shorter let’s keep in mind that taking care of ourselves and checking in on others is just as important as all the other tasks at hand.  If you find yourself in a situation needing help for yourself or someone you know please reach out and find the help you or they need.   

Mental Health & Suicide Prevention resources are available: If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or experiencing a mental health or substance, use crisis, 988 provides 24/7 connection to confidential support. There is Hope. Just call or text 988 or chat 
988lifeline.org
 #YouMatterMN #988Lifeline

-Cindy Durheim, P&E Committee