Princeton farmer opens up about struggles with mental health
PRINCETON, Minn. — From unpredictable weather to unpredictable farm prices, rural Minnesotans face challenges every day.
A Princeton farmer about his lowest point, and the resources that helped him get back on track.
"The work ethic. You don't quit until the job's done. It's just a way of life. It's a way of life growing up," said Thomas Duden, a farmer in Princeton.
It's a mindset that was instilled in Duden at a young age. His wife Kristin also grew up putting the farm before everything else. But that mindset can also lead to a fear of failure.
"We don't want to be the ones to lose grandpa's farm," said Duden.
Seven years ago, Duden says things got so bad that he went into a deep depression and made plans to take his own life.
"The thought behind it was 'she can collect the life insurance and pull the farm out of the hole that we're in'," said Duden. "It was a dark time. I don't know any easier way to put it."
But just before his suicide attempt, his wife reached out.
"My phone rang and it was Kristin and the text message word-for-word said 'where are you'," said Thomas.
It made him stop and think, and then confess to his wife that he needed help. A crucial first step.
"I was pretty upset and hysterical that morning that he told me. For one, I'm pregnant and my child isn't going to have a father," said Kristin.
Getting farmers to take that first step also means making them aware of the resources they have for getting help. That's where Emily Krekelberg comes into play.
"People want to talk to somebody who is going to understand their problems," Krekelberg.
Krekelberg is with University of Minnesota Extension and a big part of her job is making sure farmers have the mental health resources they need. She grew up near Le Sueur, and watched her dad and brother persevere through serious farm injuries.
"In Minnesota we have rural mental health specialists to work with farmers. They are available for free," said Krekelberg.
She also speaks to farm groups herself and she's a proponent of the Department of Ag's Rural Help hotline - where callers can remain anonymous.
"Personal stories are a really powerful tool in not just education but awareness as well," said Krekelberg. "There is something so courageous about standing in your vulnerability and sharing that with other people. And that's something I really respect about Thomas."
For Duden and his wife, talking with a counselor helped them work through their personal and financial problems.
"Since then, we talk a lot more. We acknowledge each other's situations that are going on around the farm," said Duden.
It's made their farm, and more importantly their family, that much stronger.
"I know things are tough but you have to move forward. If you need help or you need to talk to someone, that is the biggest thing is being able to just reach out," said Kristin Duden.
Krekelberg also recommends people take mental health breaks during the day, and even take time to reflect on the positives.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available 24/7. Call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
