Seasons of Drought
Seasons of Drought
Danica Zomer, CSW-PIP
Midwest Mindset Counseling
Most of the state of South Dakota is currently struggling with an abnormally dry season. The southern half of the state, which likely makes up the majority of readers of this column, is considered to be in an “extreme drought”. According to the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDS) website, the southern parts of South Dakota are down over 2 inches in rainfall this season compared to normal amounts.
For communities that depend so highly on agriculture, a season of drought can bring up feelings of helplessness, fear, and frustration. And when our livelihood depends on the rain- that just doesn’t seem to come, we can feel devastated at the loss. All of these feelings are difficult and uncomfortable in their own way; but they are also okay. They are allowed. You are allowed to feel helpless and frustrated with the current drought. These feelings are part of our emotional experience as human beings.
The challenges that come with farming and similar lines of work tend to become even greater during times of extreme weather. Times like this often lead to an increase in stressors such as longer work days which means more time spent away from family and increased isolation; questions regarding the uncertainty of income and the future outlook of crops; and still having to manage continued rising costs of necessities like fuel.
Sounds pretty heavy, right? Research has even shown that farmers are at a higher risk for a suicidal crisis. According to the SD Suicide Prevention website, “Agricultural workers have some of the highest suicide rates of any occupational group — research has shown that farmers and ranchers may be up to 3.5x as likely to die by suicide than the general public.”
Seasons of drought are seasons of uncertainty, and that’s scary. We like to know what’s coming. We like to be able to prepare. Yet, here we are, in a situation full of unknown. Giving yourself space to notice the feelings that are coming up during this time is important. Consider asking yourself, “how am I coping in this uncertainty?” or “what feelings has this drought brought up for me?”
It can also be helpful to remember that we tend to think in more concrete/black-and-white terms when it comes to emotions, but really there’s often a lot more going on. You’re allowed to have more than one feeling at a time, and just knowing this can take the pressure off of any expectation you’ve put on yourself and associated with that feeling. For example, you’re allowed to hold space for hope, while also feeling fearful and disappointed. Just like you can make realistic plans for the future while also trusting in divine providence. Knowing that you can be both, at the same time, tends to give us some breathing room.
If you’re reading this and feeling like things are particularly heavy right now, know that your work is important and you are not alone in this season of drought. The uncertainty is heavy and hard to move through. The feelings you’re experiencing all have a purpose. If you need help sorting through them, know that there are a number of resources available to you as well as the local mental health providers listed below.
· Avera Farm and Rural Stress Hotline (available 24/7)
o 800-691-4336
· South Dakota Suicide and Crisis Life Line (available by call, text, or online chat 24/7)
o 988
· Danica Zomer, Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Midwest Mindset Counseling in Corsica
o (605) 416-9890
· Nicole Van Zuidam, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist at Junction Therapy in Platte
o (605) 215-1102
· Bethany Eggers, Licensed Professional Counselor at Open Door Counseling in Platte
o (605) 202-2712
· Melanie VanderPol-Bailey, Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Rural Roads Counseling and Consultation in Platte
o (605) 550-2473
