FAQ.

Why does agriculture need mental health support?

INTRODUCTION.

We champion the mental wellbeing of everyone in Canadian agriculture, working to cultivate a culture of well-being with and within Canadian farming communities. Mental health is a community journey — no one should walk alone.

Agriculture has a unique culture. The ‘tough it out’ and hard work attitude is a source of pride, and can become a wall. When we struggle with our mental health, too many feel a sense of shame and fear: ashamed at not being strong, afraid of what others will say. A culture of shame and fear around mental health stops people from speaking up, from getting help, from reaching out.

We aim to change that culture. We believe that we all need to increase our courage and confidence to talk, ask, and listen when it comes to mental health.

There are structural issues, too. Access to mental health support is difficult in rural areas. It may not be available, or we’re worried that people will find out. Rural residents are less likely to look for help — and if we do, we prefer help that understands the unique challenges of agriculture.

We all have a role to play when it comes to mental health. We need clinical supports, AND we need community. At The Do More Agriculture Foundation, we know that if each of us do more, we’ll make a difference — together.

What we say - and what we can say:

  • I’m going to tough it out. I’m going to talk it out.

  • I don’t know how to ask. I care about you. I’d rather ask how you’re doing and be awkward so you know that I care.

  • I’m not qualified. I am not an expert, but I can listen so you don’t feel alone — and I can encourage you to take next steps.

  • I don’t know what to do. I will learn, so that I can help myself and others.

  • Mental health problems means I’m weak. I’m struggling, and I deserve help.

  • They just need to get back to work. We value hard work. There’s nothing harder than a difficult health journey.

  • I don’t want anyone to know. Isolation makes this journey harder. Please walk with me, walk with us.

What works: the benefits of agriculture

  • Access to the outdoors and wide open spaces.

  • A sense of accomplishment and pride.

  • Working alongside others who share our values and interests.

  • Ability to make our own decisions and shape what we do.

Risk factors across agriculture:

  • Workload and time pressures: so much to do, never enough time.

  • Rural isolation: lack of social interaction, healthcare and recreational/social services.

  • Financial pressures of debt load, razor thin margins, and lack of control.

  • Farm management risks such as family or business conflict.

  • Transition planning and the cascading impact of farm legacy.

  • External stressors including weather, price/markets, agricultural policy and legislation, machinery breakdowns and disease outbreaks.

  • Criticism of farming in the media reducing pride and public trust.

  • Farm culture: tough it out, pull yourself up by your bootstraps, get it done.

  • The perceived and active social "shame" and stigma of having mental health challenges.

What can we all do to help support mental health in agriculture?

The "Healthy Minds, Healthy Farms" report from Farm Management Canada (2020) revealed the following key recommendations aimed at addressing mental health challenges in the agriculture community:

  • Recommendation 1: Continue raising awareness around the importance of farmer mental health - both how mental health impacts farming, and how farming impacts mental health.

  • Recommendation 2: Support the improvement of mental health literacy for farmers and those supporting farmers - increased literacy and confidence will help eliminate stigma and build strong pathways for support.

  • Recommendation 3: Deliver business management advice, tools, and training that focus on risk management and preparedness as a means of facing uncertainty - proactive skill development addresses risk and builds strength.

  • Recommendation 4: Advocate for farmer-specific mental health support services - ensure mental health network strength, from the farmgate and rural communities and right across Canada.

How can you support your mental wellbeing, and the wellbeing of others within your community?

  • Host mental health workshops and events in your community to increase confidence, develop skills, and cultivate a culture of welcome, belonging, and inclusion to break the perceptions of stigma, shame and fear. For event and initiative ideas that might work in your community, check out our podcast Hay Are We Okay?

  • Access the free and anonymous mental health community AgTalk which welcomes members of the agriculture industry just like you: AgTalk

  • Review wellness tips on tangible strategies to help support yourself and others: Wellness Tips

The Role of The Do More Agriculture Foundation:

  • Organizations like The Do More Agriculture Foundation (Do More Ag) and others directly impact and support the recommendations outlined in the "Healthy Minds, Healthy Farms" report. The Do More Agriculture Foundation recognizes the specific challenges the agriculture industry faces and works to address them through raising awareness, fostering community, and linking people to resources tailored to the agricultural community's needs.

By breaking down stigma, creating a sense of belonging, and bridging the gap in accessing mental health services, Do More Ag aims to ensure wellbeing with agricultural communities across Canada.