A Wisconsin farmer and equipment salesman is working to address the stigma surrounding mental health through his nonprofit TUGS, or Talk, Understanding, Growth and Support. Jeff Dietzenberger of Wisconsin, who attempted suicide after serving in the military during Operation Desert Storm and lost a close friend to suicide in 2014, is leading the effort. Its goal is to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health and provide resources to those in need.
Ditzenberger was featured in the recently released PBS independent documentary Greener Pastures, which sheds light on the lack of mental health resources and the challenges farmers face. He believes that mental health is still a difficult subject for many farmers, as they are often encouraged to suppress their emotions and remain stoic. Ditzenberger is determined to change this mindset and provide support to those struggling with mental health issues.
The documentary, produced by a student, tells the stories of two dairy farmers, a pig farmer, and Ditzenberger as a crop farmer. Explores challenges farmers face, such as low prices, commodity fluctuations and lack of access to mental health resources. If you need someone to talk to or are in crisis, you can contact the Suicide and Crisis Helpline by calling 9-8-8 or visit Brownfield Ag News dot com for more information.
To learn more about TUGS and their efforts to support mental health in the farming community, click HERE. You can also watch the documentary film Greener Pastures HERE.
