# “Stop, Think, and Appreciate”: A Qualitative Exploration of a Challenge Coin Suicide Prevention Intervention among Farmers

## TL;DR

This study explores how a challenge coin intervention, inspired by the military and adapted for farmers, may help prevent suicide by fostering connection and appreciation within the farming community.

## Contribution

The study introduces a novel suicide prevention approach using challenge coins adapted for farmers, emphasizing community-driven appreciation.

## Key findings

- Challenge coins fostered feelings of appreciation and connectedness among farmers.
- Participants perceived the coins as protective against suicide and a symbol of support.
- The intervention was developed within the farming community, highlighting its cultural relevance.

## Abstract

Farmers are at increased risk for suicide compared to the general population, with estimates 56% higher among males in agriculture/forestry/fishing roles than the male working population. This study explored a farmer-developed suicide prevention intervention using an adapted military challenge coin for agriculture. An agricultural community member shared a message of appreciation with the farmer recipient. Farmers recently receiving a challenge coin were purposively sampled. Semi-structured interviews via telephone/videoconference explored farmers’ challenge coin experiences and perceptions. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and de-identified before thematic coding. Participants (n = 14) were aged 28–68 years. All interviewees were non-Hispanic White, and 71% had off-farm jobs. Themes included the reception of the challenge coin, feelings elicited, and protective nature of the challenge coin against suicide, encouraging farmer connectedness and demonstrating appreciation. These data provide initial exploration of challenge coins adapted for farmer suicide prevention, developed within a farming community. Additional research regarding the impact is needed.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10597-025-01509-1.