The mental health of farmers and others involved in agriculture has come to the forefront in recent years. However, a lot of what experts know is focused on adults. Josie Rudolphi, PhD, an assistant professor and Extension specialist at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, aimed to change that, initiating the Farm Adolescent and Adult Mental Health Study, funded by the National Children’s Center for Rural Agricultural Health and Safety.

Rudolphi says more than 60% of farm adolescents screened showed self-reported symptoms of anxiety and depression. More than 10% of respondents said they experienced moderately severe to severe symptoms.

Read more farm youth mental health insights and learn what parents or guardians can do to help.