Minnesota farmer opens up about depression to encourage others

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Minnesota farmer opens up about depression to encourage others

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and a Minnesota farmer hopes his battle with depression can be an encouragement to others.

Bob Worth grows corn and soybeans in Lincoln County and says during the farm crisis in the 1980’s land and machinery values dropped as interest rates rose above 20 percent, and at one point he had to beg his lender to finance a crop.

“It got to the point where I didn’t even want to get out of bed in the morning. I did not want to go out and do any work, (and) if I did get out of bed I just wanted to sit.”

But Worth tells Brownfield his wife convinced him to see a doctor.

“I’m so glad I did. They gave me some medication, and the first medication didn’t work but (the doctor) said ‘don’t worry about it we’ve got lots of medication.’ So I went back and got another medication and it was amazing.”

He says mental health issues are difficult to talk about, but there’s nothing wrong with asking for help.

“Even if you think you’re a tough macho guy, just get some help. You’ll be so happy you did. I am.”

USDA is observing Mental Health Awareness month by hosting a free virtual event May 17th through the 19th that will focus on strategies to address stress and mental health issues on the farm and ranch.

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