Jeff Ditzenberger, a Wisconsin farmer and equipment salesman, has dedicated himself to addressing the stigma surrounding mental health through his non-profit organization TUGS (Talking, Understanding, Growing, and Supporting). After attempting suicide following his military service and the death of a close friend by suicide in 2014, Ditzenberger has firsthand experience with the struggles of mental health and is determined to eliminate the stigmas surrounding it.
As a featured guest in the PBS Independent Documentary Greener Pastures, Ditzenberger sheds light on the need for more mental health resources in farming communities. He understands that mental health is still a difficult topic for many farmers who are often taught to be stoic and not talk about their feelings. Through this documentary, he hopes to change that mindset and encourage more open conversations about mental health among farmers.
The documentary features stories from two dairy farmers, a hog farmer, and Ditzenberger as a crop farmer. It showcases the challenges that farmers face regularly such as low prices, commodity fluctuations and lack of mental health resources available to them. The goal is to raise awareness and start important conversations about mental health in the farming industry.
If you or someone you know is in need of help please reach out to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 9-8-8. For more information visit Brownfield Ag News dot com. To learn more about TUGS or view the documentary click on provided links.
