If you are in the ranching world and feeling overwhelmed and stressed, you are certainly not alone. If your family is the most important thing in the world to you, yet you feel like the best relationship you have is with your dog, well that’s pretty common too. The reality is mental health issues are literally killing ranchers and an iconic way of American life. Ranchers are about 3.5 times more likely to commit suicide than the general population. Male ranchers are 6 times more likely to commit suicide than other working age men. Relationship issues play a significant role in death by suicide for ranchers between the ages of 20 and 65. You can’t control markets, the weather, policy, but you can control how you manage your own stress and relationships.
Probably the most damaging thing plaguing the ranching world today, especially among men, is the combination of stress and shame. I think it’s fair to say, the combination of stress and
shame kills. It takes lives, robs families of their loved ones, deeply damages relationships, sucks the joy out of life, and can cause intense anxiety fear, depression and fuel addiction. Shame and stress isolate and ironically, are often passed down generationally. It’s worth breaking that cycle. It takes time, courage, commitment, but the rewards can be life changing.
Our work is private and confidential and can be done online. You don’t have to leave the ranch! There’s s a lot that can be done to help you gain a sense of peace, manage conflict, improve relationships, problem solve. I use the term “rancher” broadly to include anyone living and/or working on ranches. So, if any of this speaks to you, please reach out.
Please call for a free 30 minute consultation.
“When god created the horse, he said to the magnificent creature: I have made thee as no other. All the treasures of the earth lie between thy eyes. Thy shalt carry my friends upon thy back. Thy saddle shall be the seat of prayers to me. And thou shalt fly without wings and conquer without sword; oh horse.” ~Anonymous