James Donaldson on Mental Health - Letter spurs powerful message: ‘Suicide is not an end to your problems. It is merely an end.’

At a Glance Individuals struggling with mental health issues can become withdrawn, such as not going to church or farm group meetings.

Respect their privacy, but asking if something is wrong and listening to those struggling mentally can be a calming force.

Help is available through rural mental health advocacy groups such as Rural Minds.

Over the years, I’ve received my share of physical mail and emails — some nice, and others not so nice.

Still, they all blend to the point where I’ve forgotten individual ones.

It was an unsigned letter, penned in scribbly and shaky handwriting.

Yet, its message was clear: “I would appreciate if you would print this someplace in an upcoming issue,” the writer said.

“My neighbor took his life last year, and maybe it can keep somebody else from making the same mistake.” Now, 26 years later, its contents are as poignant as the day I received it: “I miss looking across the field and seeing his old Case tractor going.” “I miss his youthful ambition that motivated me to get going.” “He never talked much, but when he did talk, I loved to listen, especially when he would talk about his wife and kids.

You could always tell the obvious love he had for them.” “When he died, it was like losing a member of the family.” Tunnel vision Making sense of suicide is difficult.

Yet, it’s understandable, considering the personal and financial challenges many farmers are now enduring.