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Duvall says it’s time to erase the stigma of mental health

American Farm Bureau president Zippy Duvall says, “It is okay to say I’m not okay.”

He tells Brownfield bringing awareness to mental health issues is a process.  “Sometimes it takes just being repetitive and not through just my words, everyone who is out there talking about it,” he says.  “I think all our state Farm Bureau’s are keyed in on making sure we’re watching out for our farmer’s mental health.”

This is National Farm Safety and Health Week, and Duvall says mental health needs to be part of that conversation.  But, he says it has to be talked about more than just this week, it needs to be talked about every week.  “Make sure we’re looking around to see who is actually experiencing difficulties, and find a subtle way, if it’s nothing but to listen, to help them.”

If you or someone you know may be considering suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

Brownfield spoke with Duvall at the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture annual conference.

AUDIO: Zippy Duvall, American Farm Bureau