Finding Connection and Combating Loneliness on the Farm

Article written by Do More Agriculture and originally submitted to Women in Ag Magazine for publication.

According to the 2021 Canadian Social Survey on Loneliness in Canada, of the one in 10 Canadians who reported frequent loneliness, 49% also reported poorer mental health and lower levels of overall life satisfaction. This survey highlights the widespread issue of loneliness among the general Canadian population. Meanwhile, farming is often seen as a solitary pursuit, with long hours spent in the fields or tending to livestock. While there's a certain peace in working with the land, it can also lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation. If you're a farmer feeling disconnected, remember: you're not alone.

Loneliness on the farm stems from a variety of factors, such as the remote location of many farms, the demanding nature of agricultural work, the lack of consumer awareness about agriculture, and the shrinking size of rural communities. This isolation can be compounded by the stigma around discussing mental health in farming communities, making it even harder to reach out for support.

Ways to Combat Loneliness

Connect with Your Community

Reach out to neighbors, join local groups, clubs, or teams. Building relationships with others not only provides a sense of belonging but also offers valuable support both on and off the farm. These connections can lead to sharing resources, gaining new perspectives, and forming lasting friendships that enhance your quality of life.

Embrace Technology

Utilizing social media, online forums, to stay connected with friends, family and even strangers facing similar realities, can be so valuable.

Jesse Thompson, who started Beyond the Fencelines, shares an important reflection on her personal experience with isolation: "A couple years ago, I found myself lonely and isolated during the long winter months with a toddler and a newborn so I turned to the internet and found a website that shared the hard and wonderful parts of motherhood. It was at that moment that I thought, 'Wouldn’t it be cool if there was something like this for rural women?' Reading those stories brought me comfort and encouragement during those early years of raising my babies. When I started sharing my own experiences on Instagram after my second baby, I found friendship, healing, connection, and other rural women who could relate to what I was going through. So many women thanked me for being real and honest and voiced similar stories to mine. After a few more nudges from God, I decided it was finally time to create a community-oriented space where rural women could share their experiences—because it’s not only something that I saw a need for, but it’s something I desperately needed myself."

Volunteer

Volunteering and giving back to your community isn't just about making a positive impact; it’s also an excellent opportunity to meet new people and foster a sense of connection. Engaging in community service activities can help you feel more integrated and part of something larger than yourself, enriching your social network and enhancing your sense of belonging.

Seek Professional Help

If loneliness is affecting your mental health, consider talking to a therapist or counselor who can provide strategies to cope with these feelings. Check out our Find Support page for more resources.

Join a Peer-to-Peer Support Platform

Consider joining a platform like AgTalk Designed for individuals in the agriculture industry, it's a safe space where you can connect, share, and receive support from a community of peers who understand your unique experiences. Whether you're looking for advice, a listening ear, or just someone to talk to about the day-to-day challenges of farming, AgTalk is here for you.

Make Time for Off-Farm Activities

Carving out some time for activities off the farm can be a necessary break from the fast paced routine on the farm. Start by scheduling small, dedicated blocks of time for yourself each week. Whether it's taking an exercise class in town, joining a book club, or simply going for a walk down the road with some friends, these activities can provide a mental reset. Plan these outings in advance and treat them as non-negotiable appointments. Getting off the farm and engaging in different environments can help you maintain balance and wellness.

Loneliness is a common experience, especially in agriculture.  The path to overcoming loneliness starts with small, intentional steps towards connection and self-care, by reaching out, connecting with others, and taking steps to care for your mental health on and off the farm.