With tariffs impacting business, Georgia farmers are dealing with the fallout. Research from the University of Georgia strives to better understand farmers' risk for suicide in order to equip communities with a plan to provide better help.

With tariffs impacting business, Georgia farmers are dealing with the fallout. Research from the University of Georgia strives to better understand farmers' risk for suicide in order to equip communities with a plan to provide better help.

Credit: PEXELS.COM

Georgia farmers are dealing with the news that China plans to end all imports of U.S. agriculture in response to higher tariffs.

This news comes after two years of rough conditions for the farming community, including Hurricane Irma, Hurricane Michael and stalled aid packages.

With farming ranked ninth among professions with high suicide rates by the CDC, recent research from the University of Georgia School of Social Work investigates how those stressors could affect a population already at risk.

Dr. Anna Scheyett, Dean of UGA’s School of Social work, sat down with On Second Thought to share how her research can better equip rural communities in preventing suicides.

“Farming isn’t a job. It’s an identity,” Dr. Scheyett said. “Finding people that farmers trust is huge.”

If you or someone you know is looking for help, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

 

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