b"U.S. Department of Labor Looksto Educate Businesses onMENTAL HEALTHAs employees return to offices, the Department of Labor wants mental health to be a priority.Alex MartinIF THERES ONEthing thatsto start is simply with education, says become increasingly important in eve- Adrienne DeSutter, mental health special-ryday life, its talking about mental health.ist with Farm State of Mind. Take time the U.S. Department of Labor wants toto understand mental health in all forms, open up the discussion in workplaces. from learning about mental health condi-According to Mental Health America,tions to being proactive players in manag-just prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 19.86%ing stress. Creating a healthy work climate of adults experienced a mental illnessthatfor your employees will be much more equivalent to nearly 50 million Americans.effective if you know more about the Unfortunately, over half of adults with amental health you're hoping to protect.mental illness do not receive treatments,DeSutter says keeping an eye on the which totals to over 27 million adults in thehealth of your customers wont just make U.S. untreated for a mental illness.your business better, itll make you better.Because of this, the Department ofOur rural communities rely on each Labor is implementing an awarenessother to thrive, and we can make a huge campaign called Mental Health at Work:difference in each others health and What Can I Do? with a note that every- safety by being vigilant, she says. Truly one can promote mental wellness. get to know your growers, pay atten-Today, one in five working-agetion to their normal behaviors, and don't Americans has a mental health condition.be afraid to reach out when something As America recovers from the COVID-19seems off. Taking a minute to listen could pandemic, mental health-friendly work- Adrienne DeSutter is a mental health expertchange the dynamic of a person's life. places will be more important than ever,with Farm State of Mind. Keeping on top of the warning signs, said U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walshwhich include change in routines or social in the release. This timely public educa- activities, increase in illness, increase tion campaign reminds us that we all haveMental Health in Agriculture in accidents, decline in appearance, a role to play, and that we all benefit fromJust like every other industry, mentaldecreased interest in activities or events flexible, supportive workplaces that pro- health issues are prevalent in agricultureand signs of stress, could help save a cus-mote good mental health. as well. According to a survey from thetomer or co-workers life.SWThe video campaign features fourAmerican Farm Bureau Federation, a cast membersa CEO, a manager, astrong majority of farmers and farmwork-co-worker and a person who suffers withers have financial issues, fear of losing a mental health condition. All of them jointhe farm and farm or business problemsWHERE to discuss how to better promote work- impact growers mental health. However,ON THE WEBplace wellbeingfrom giving support toonly three in four adults say it is impor-learning how to ask for assistance. tant to reduce stigma about mentalWant to watch the U.S. Department of Labors video on mental While mental health might not be athealth in the ag community. health? Visit whatcanyoudocampaign.org/psa-campaigns/the heart of your business, its never tooWhen implementing mental healthmental-health-psa. late to start the discussion. policies and practices, the best place 20/ SEEDWORLD.COMJUNE 2022"