The University of Hawaii at Manoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) conducted a study in 2023 revealing high levels of stress, depression, and suicide among farmers in Hawaii. In response, CTAHR created the Seeds of Wellbeing (SOW) program to support the mental health of agricultural workers.
Recognizing the significance of their efforts, Mental Health America Hawaii awarded SOW the Outstanding Community Mental Health Leader award in May. Thao Le, CTAHR professor and chair of the Family Consumer Sciences Department, expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing SOW’s dedication to raising awareness and providing support for mental health issues in Hawaii’s farming communities.
Agriculture is inherently stressful due to various factors like market volatility, weather changes, and invasive species. The CTAHR study revealed alarming statistics, with nearly half of Hawaii’s farmers under 46 experiencing depression, and around 14% having suicidal thoughts.
SOW was established by CTAHR in fall 2021 with initial funding from the Hawaii Department of Agriculture/USDA-NIFA. The program offers workshops and educational resources in multiple languages to help individuals manage stress and promote wellbeing. Additionally, SOW conducts research, produces podcasts, and engages with its audience on Instagram.
One of SOW’s initiatives, the Hawaii Ag Mental Health Mentorship Program, has trained over 60 mentors to provide support and guidance to those in the agriculture industry. There are plans to expand the program to other Pacific regions, with Guam expressing interest in replicating SOW’s success.
Le emphasized the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health by fostering social connections. SOW collaborates with various organizations, including the Western Region Agricultural Stress Assistance Program, Safe States Alliance, and Hawaii Department of Health, to maximize resources and expertise.
Le highlighted the significance of building strong relationships to ensure that individuals facing mental health challenges receive the support they need.
