Need Help Right Now?
If you are in crisis, thinking about harming yourself, or need immediate support, please reach out to one of these resources.
AgriStress Helpline
833-897-2474
24/7 · Trained for agriculture & rural life · Call or text
Call AgriStressSAMHSA National Helpline
1-800-662-4357
24/7 · Free · English & Spanish · Treatment referral
Call SAMHSAYou are not alone. Trained counselors are ready to listen, 24 hours a day.
You Are Not Alone
Many people in the livestock show community face stress, anxiety, depression, burnout, financial pressure, family struggles, and personal challenges. Asking for help is a sign of strength.
Know the Warning Signs
When a fellow exhibitor, family member, or barn friend is struggling, they may not say it out loud. Watch for changes like these:
- Pulling back from the barn, shows, or their usual social circles
- Decline in the care of their animals
- More accidents or close calls around livestock
- Run-down appearance of pens, tack, or trailer
- Loss of interest in shows or activities they used to love
- Kids struggling at school or in the ring
- Increased illness or chronic complaints
5 Steps to Help Someone in Emotional Pain
- 1
Ask
Ask directly how they're doing. It opens the door and won't put the idea of self-harm in their head.
- 2
Be there
Show up. Listen without judgment. Acknowledge what they're going through.
- 3
Keep them safe
If they're in crisis, help reduce access to anything they might use to hurt themselves.
- 4
Help them connect
Save 988 in their phone. Share the AgriStress Helpline. Walk them toward a trusted resource.
- 5
Stay connected
Follow up — a text, a call, a stop by the barn. Continued support matters more than a single conversation.
Adapted from the National Institute of Mental Health.
Coping With Stress During Show Season
- Lean on your barn family — talk to someone you trust
- Step back from social media criticism and judging drama
- Sleep, eat, and hydrate — even on show days
- Build in real downtime after big shows and at end-of-season
- Recognize when it's more than stress — and reach out for help
Encouragement & Education
Resources to help you and the people you care about.
You Are Not Alone
- Encouraging messages
- Hope and resilience
Helping A Friend
- Start simple. A few openers that work:
- "I've noticed you haven't seemed like yourself lately. You okay?"
- "You mentioned no one really gets what you're going through — I'm here, anytime."
- "Hey, how have you been handling everything? Can I help in any way?"
- Listen more than you talk. Avoid jumping to fix it or minimize what they feel.
Industry Stress
- Competition pressure
- Social media criticism
- Financial stress
- Burnout
- Livestock losses
- Family expectations
Faith & Encouragement
- Scripture
- Prayer
- Stories of hope
FAQ
- Q: What if I need help immediately?
A: Call or text 988. - Q: Is Stock Show Strong a counseling service?
A: No. Stock Show Strong connects people with resources and support. - Q: Can I volunteer?
A: Yes. Visit the Volunteer page.
Some guidance on this page is adapted from public mental-health resources including the American Farm Bureau's Farm State of Mind initiative, the National Institute of Mental Health, and SAMHSA.