East Central Reporter

Illinois state Senator and candidate for governor Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) has encouraged farmers in the state to make sure they're taking care of their mental health during the awareness campaign known as National Farm Safety and Health Week.

Bailey, who's a farmer himself, shared a tweet from the Illinois Farm Bureau that stressed the importance of mental health, particularly on family farms.

"If you need help seek it. You're not alone," Bailey tweeted on Sept. 21. 

The Illinois Farm Bureau offers a variety of resources for farmers in the state who many need some support for their mental health. Those resources include a variety of websites, a webinar, podcasts, and other phone-based resources.

"As farmers, we are great at taking care of our land and livestock, but not always great at taking care of ourselves," the Illinois Farm Bureau wrote on its Mental Health & Wellness resources page. "It’s time to put yourself first. A healthy farm is nothing without a healthy YOU."

As a candidate for governor, Bailey has accused Gov. J.B. Pritzker of not only destroying children's education, but also their mental health because of the edicts Pritzker handed down to schools during the coronavirus pandemic, according to SE Illinois News. 

"[Parents] are frustrated at the governing officials and mainly the governor of the state," Bailey said during a Fox Business interview he shared on YouTube in March. "What they've got to realize is many times a local school board actually holds the authority to do what they need to do and open if they so desire."

Bailey has also spoken out in opposition to a new clean energy bill and what he sees as its negative impact on the citizens of Illinois, according to the East Central Reporter.

The same article stated that before the bill became law, Bailey encouraged people to call their state senators to have them to reject the legislation.

Bailey had called the bill "irresponsible and activist-driven," according to the East Central Reporter.