MassGrown Wellness - Managing Reactions to a Natural Disaster

The flooding conditions Massachusetts farmers are facing are an upsetting experience for all involved. Actions need to be taken to address crop losses and their financial impact on a farm. Farmers and their supporters also need to understand their reaction to this disaster and be sure to consider and address their mental health and well-being during this trying time.

MassGrown Wellness has developed a list of resources to help farmers manage their reaction to the recent flooding disaster and help ensure their farm workers and families understand the current conditions and how they may impact their well-being.

Resources

Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line

If you or any member of your farm family is experiencing anxiety, stress, depression or other mental health challenges, the Behavioral Health Helpline is available 24/7, 365 days per year, is free, confidential and no health insurance is required. Real-time interpretation is available in 200 plus languages. For those deaf or hard of hearing contact MassRelay by dialing 711 or use your video relay caption provider of choice.

Call or Text 833-773-2445

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Ready.gov

Ready.gov is a web site developed by the Department of Homeland Security providing resources designed to help victims of a natural disaster cope with the initial event, how to recognize signs of disaster-related stress and a series of steps to address disaster related stress impacting the entire farm family.

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Coping After a Natural Disaster

The American Psychiatric Association recognizes that following a disaster, most people will ultimately do well and return to their previous level of functioning. However, many people will initially experience distressing thoughts, feelings, and physical symptoms and may engage in risky behaviors to help cope. This guide offers helpful steps to take after a natural disaster to help regain a sense of normalcy and take positive steps to maintain well-being.

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National Institute of Health

The National Institute of Health has published a library resource outlining the initial reactions to a natural disaster, the impending feelings of grief and a list of the most common emotional feelings and their impact on mental health and well-being. Common reactions are listed and the role mental health professionals and response teams may play to ease feelings of lost control, substance use and death wishes and suicidal ideas.

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Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources

MDAR's Produce Safety Team has developed a web-based resource to assist farmers in evaluating flood-damaged crops to ensure compliance with state and federal law. Conditions are rapidly changing, and the Team will update this document and other resources as needed.

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