Episode 161 - Real Tools for Mental Health Wellness with Nevada Farmer Sam Banta

In the fourth episode of our May Mental Health Month series, we're joined by Sam Banta, a young, passionate farmer in Northeastern Nevada. Sam has experienced many struggles throughout her life that have made it crucial for her to develop real tools to manage her mental wellness.  Listening to Sam is a real-world view into how someone manages her mental wellbeing every day. Sam doesn't spout platitudes or a "just bootstrap yourself better" message. She shares things that make it difficult for her to stay balanced, and tactics and tools on how she manages those challenges. She also talks about activities she does daily to make sure she's taking care of herself in the first place, and places and people she's turned to in her times of need. It's so encouraging to listen to how Sam has embraced not only what she struggles with, but spreading her knowledge and experience so that others might find help and healing too.  Sam farms alongside Katharine's inlaws at Lotspeich Family Farm in Deeth, Nevada. LFF provides Northeastern Nevada with the freshest, most delicious vegetables and herbs and beautiful fresh flowers you could ever hope to find in the high desert. Visit their website at https://www.lotspeichfamilyfarm.com/ and find them on Facebook and Instagram. *** If you or someone you know needs help with mental health challenges or substance abuse, please reach out. Here are some resources to consider: Lifeline Chat and Text is a service of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline connecting individuals with crisis counselors for emotional support and other services via web chat or texting 988. The American Psychological Association has many great resources for whatever distress you may be experiencing. Visit apa.org to find resources including: Crisis Text Line Text HOME to 741741 Narcotics Anonymous Alcoholics Anonymous Gamblers Anonymous Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline (800) 662-4357 and many other excellent resources for all kinds of support and difficult experiences. Some agriculture-focused resources are: https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/topics/mental-health  https://www.nmpf.org/resources/mental-health-and-wellness/ https://www.dairyherd.com/news/business/free-help-available-those-farmers-struggling-mental-health ...