Episode 204 - Laundry, Scrolling, Silence: The Mental Health Warning Signs We Can’t Ignore

Welcome back to the Millennial Ag podcast as we continue our annual May Mental Health Series—an honest, raw, and real look into the mental and emotional wellbeing of those living and working in agriculture.This week, we’re doing something different. It’s just us—Val and Katharine—opening up about our personal warning signs when our mental health is slipping. We talk candidly about the quiet red flags we’ve come to recognize in ourselves: things like mindless scrolling, emotional eating, avoiding our loved ones, or suddenly not wanting to do something we usually enjoy.We explore the tools and strategies that help us course correct—movement, fresh air, connection, and sometimes professional help like therapy or medication. And we talk openly about the stigma that still lingers around those options, especially in rural communities.If you’ve ever found yourself overwhelmed, burned out, or just “off” and unsure why, we hope this conversation feels like a breath of fresh air and a reminder that you are not alone. Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode! Connect with Valene & Katharine:Follow us on Instagram @millennial_agCheck out our websiteEmail us at [email protected] us on X/Twitter @millennial_agFollow us on TikTok @millennial.agResources & Links:Dial 988 for the 988 Crisis Lifeline - call or text nationally for immediate crisis supportMental Health First Aid NAMI - has affiliates in every state and in more than 1,100 local communities across the country, providing local support and resources. Supports telehealth, lobbies for mental healthcare, provides education and supportruralminds.org - mental health information sheets, suicide webinars/resources, tips - founded by a dairy farmer in upstate NYFarm Bill- provides support for Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network in the midwest that connects farmers/ranchers to resourcesOur sponsor, Peacock TechnologyOur sponsor, AGPRO