January 7, 2020

It Starts With Me; Language MattersThe Do More Agriculture Foundation Launches Second Awareness Campaign 

Saskatchewan, January 7, 2020 – The Do More Agriculture Foundation, a not-for-profit championing mental health in agriculture across Canada, launched its second awareness campaign today called ‘It Starts With Me.’ This campaign highlights that changing the narrative around mental health starts with each of us personally. The campaign aims to: reduce stigmas, understand that each of us plays a role, and inspire those in agriculture to take care of their mental well-being. 

“Our words can have such a powerful impact, whether verbalized to others, or from our own self talk.  Bringing awareness to the language we use will continue to help drive positive change towards decreasing the stigma surrounding mental health in agriculture” says Adelle Stewart, Executive Director for Do More Ag.  “Sometimes we don’t intend what we say, or don’t yet have the tools to understand how we could rephrase when it comes to supporting people in a meaningful way. This campaign aims to bring awareness to the conversation, so individuals can continue to build capacity through their own reflections and improve our conversations surrounding mental health.”

‘It Starts With Me’ identifies common phrases heard or spoken within the agriculture community and suggests alternative language. The campaign highlights real life examples from those within the industry on how a simple statement like ‘just get over it’ and ‘suck it up’ can be rephrased to a more supportive statement like ‘It might not be easy, but it’s okay to get help.’ It also highlights internal dialogue and encourages people to be kinder to themselves. 

Dr. Andria Jones-Bitton from the University of Guelph conducted a national survey of 1,100 producers from across Canada in 2017. The results from the national survey found 35% Canadian producers could be classified as depressed and 58%  Canadian producers meet the criteria for anxiety. 

Mental health is part of all of us. NOW is the time we change the conversation about mental health. Language matters. Choose yours. 

Learn more at domore.ag. See examples on the changing conversation and share examples using #ItStartsWithMe.

About the Do More Agriculture Foundation: 

Founded in 2017, Do More Ag is a non-profit organization focusing on mental health in agriculture across Canada. Do More Ag are champions for mental well-being of all Canadian producers; changing the culture of agriculture to one where all producers are encouraged, supported and empowered to take care of their mental well-being. Do More Ag’s focus and efforts are driven by three pillars: awareness, community and research. 

Contact:

Lesley Kelly

hello@domore.ag

306-550-6135