Men who work as farmers take their own lives at a rate seven times the national average, according to a new study.
Overall suicide rates have climbed more than 20 percent since the year 2000. According to a preliminary study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, farmers, along with fishermen and foresters, make up the group most likely to die by suicide.
CDC researchers suspect farmers and fishermen are more likely to take their own lives because their work is often located in isolated rural areas where it’s harder to access mental health services. Plus, the jobs are stressful, and income can be volatile and unreliable.
The report also noted there’s some evidence that farmers' exposure to pesticides may contribute to mental health problems.
