Meet The Board - Amy VanderHeide
April 8, 2021
1. Introduce yourself! Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Amy VanderHeide and I was born and raised on a beef farm in the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia. Currently, my husband, James, and I are raising the next generation on our family farm raising broiler chickens, crops and a small cow-calf herd. Our 3 sons are 12, 8 and 6 and live and breathe farm life. They are included in everything that we do and show great interest in varying aspects of agriculture at young ages. Off the farm I am involved in our county 4-H Clubs, have roles on two local Agriculture boards, including President of the Chicken Producers Association of Nova Scotia and also serve as a director for a daycare in our area. In 2015 I cofounded the Maritime Ag Women's Network with Katie Keddy, a sweet potato farmer who also farms in the Annapolis Valley. Today, the network now has over 1000 members and has brought together women in ag from all 4 Atlantic Provinces and beyond who provide each other with support, advice and encourage each other every single day. I really enjoy working with other farmers and learning about the diverse and bountiful agricultural community we live in!
2. What originally sparked your interest in being an advocate for mental health?
My interest in advocating for mental health comes partly from my own mental health journey in dealing with Seasonal Affective Disorder as well as being witness to the many struggles those dealing with Mental Illness must bare at very fragile times in their lives. Knowing first hand the roadblocks people face to receive the help they need and the stigma we've all faced at certain times in our lives lit a fire in me to share my story and what I could about how I've been affected by loved ones mental illness in hopes that it may reach one person. It’s so important to me that I do what I can to make a difference in how we all view mental health and the care that is required to keep our bodies and minds both healthy.
3. Why is mental health important to you?
Mental Health is important to me because I have seen the effects it has both positively and negatively, on a single person, family and a community. We can all learn more about our mental health and in doing so can be more prepared to help ourselves and others in recognizing signs and symptoms of mental illness and in turn also be more open about talking about it. For me, I can gauge my mental health at any time by doing a mental check in, and would encourage everyone to check in on themselves and others.
4. What gives you the most hope for the landscape of mental health in agriculture?
What gives me the most hope for the landscape of mental health in agriculture is the continued growth in how often we, as farmers, are talking about it. Making it more acceptable as an every day topic and reducing the stigma in our communities and families. While we have a long way to go, I'm very encouraged every time I have the chance to listen to other farmers in my area when the topic of mental health comes up. Several years ago it would not have generated the conversation it does now.
5. What does being a board member with The Do More Agriculture Foundation mean to you?
Being a board member with the Do More Agriculture Foundation means that I can lend my voice and bring my skill set to a national level to bring help and awareness to farmers across Canada. Coming from the Atlantic Provinces, I am very excited about forming new relationships with others across the country and helping to bring the country together in support of our farmers.
6. If you could share one message with someone struggling, what would it be?
My message to someone struggling right now is to remember that even in the darkest of times, you are NEVER alone. Others may not understand, may not be able to place themselves in your shoes, but you are not alone. There will always be at least one person out there who are willing to be your guiding light and they are often not as far away as it seems.
