Farmers take care of Ohio, we need to take care of ourselves
By talking about it, we can erase the stigma that comes with mental health.
Read MoreMental health advocate Brandon Fullenkamp from Highland County was a guest on the Farmside Chat podcast with American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall.
The latest episode of American Farm Bureau’s Farmside Chat podcast, hosted by AFBF President Zippy Duvall, features Ohio Farm Bureau member and Highland County farmer Brandon Fullenkamp. After experiencing his own struggles and seeking help, Fullenkamp has become passionate about discussing the importance of mental health.
After a friend’s many attempts to help Fullenkamp find help to improve his mental well-being, he finally made the decision to talk with a counselor in the area.
“One of the harder things I have ever done in my life is pull into that driveway and park my truck out in front of the place because I didn’t need anyone in the community to think anything was wrong with me,” Fullenkamp told Duvall on the podcast. “It was really the best thing I ever did.”
He is now an advocate for farmers and ranchers across the country – sharing his story and the benefits of mental health services.
“Don’t let the stigma and don’t let fear stop you from seeking help if you think you need it,” Fullenkamp said. “It’s a whole lot easier to get out of a foot-deep hole than it is a six foot deep one.”
You can listen to Fullenkamp’s full conversation with American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall on the Farmside Chat podcast. The episode is also available on YouTube.
By talking about it, we can erase the stigma that comes with mental health.
Read MoreThis first-of-its-kind group focuses on offering more resources to agricultural communities. The group’s first action is introducing a new, anonymous survey to seek feedback directly from rural communities.
Read MoreThis joint initiative aimed to equip attendees with the tools and understanding required to address mental health concerns within the community.
Read MoreThe Yvonne Lesicko Perseverance Prize recognizes groups or individuals working to find innovative solutions to farmer mental health difficulties. Nominations are due July 31, 2023.
Read MoreThere are many available resources within Guernsey County ready to help with mental health needs.
Read MoreMental health advocate Brandon Fullenkamp from Highland County was a guest on the Farmside Chat podcast with American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall.
Read MoreA short play was designed to encourage attendees to discuss stress, the impacts of stress, and the resources available locally to deal with stress.
Read MoreOrganization Directory Mandy Orahood shares her own mental health journey.
Read MoreThe morning kicked off with an opportunity to speak with those gathered, network with multiple businesses and area agencies, and reconnect with old friends.
Read MoreThe Check YOUR Engine project was part of a trade show exhibit at the national Farm Bureau convention in Puerto Rico in January.
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