September 14, 2012

Recent rains have eased the strain of drought on much of the Midwest's farmland, but the strain on the Midwest's farmers remains a major concern. As disappointing harvests become a reality for many, the financial and emotional impacts of the drought may lead some farm families into crisis.

A September 27 one-hour national webinar will address this topic and the resources available to help farm families cope. The program's goal is to provide farm families, Extension educators, and other agriculture professionals with basic resources to address mental/behavioral issues related to the drought.

Program topics will include:

• Mental health issues likely to be encountered by drought-stressed farmers, such as depression, anxiety disorders, suicidal thoughts and actions, and substance abuse
• Proper identification of signs and symptoms
• Appropriate responses when interacting with farm family members
• Referral sources for additional assistance
• Training opportunities available through Mental Health First Aid

The program will be presented by Roberta Schweitzer, who has a Ph.D. in nursing, a master’s degree as an advanced practice psych-mental health nurse, and more than 20 years of professional experience in psychotherapy and counseling with individuals, families, and groups.

Dr. Schweitzer is nationally certified as a trainer for Mental Health First Aid and as a practitioner of group psychotherapy and psychodrama through the American Society of Group Psychotherapy and Psychodrama. She is a former assistant professor in the Purdue University School of Nursing and collaborates with Indiana AgrAbility/Breaking New Ground to explore rural stress and coping issues, and to enhance mental health resources and well-being in farm families living with a chronic disability.

A question and answer period will follow the presentation.

Registration and Information

To participate in this free webinar, register using the online form by Friday, September 21. Instructions for accessing the session will be sent to registrants by Tuesday, September 25.

For more information contact AgrAbility at 800-825-4264 or email agrability@agrability.org. 

For information about Nebraska AgrAbility, a joint effort of University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension and Easter Seals Nebraska, visit the website at http://agrability.unl.edu/