Addressing Mental Health in Agriculture: ‘It’s OK to not be OK’
Just as farmers rely on tools and equipment to tend to their livestock and crops, they also need the right resources to maintain their mental well-being. At the 2024 Northern Ontario Ag Conference in Sudbury, Chris Coulombe from the Sudbury-Manitoulin branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) highlighted the importance of mental wellness in agriculture and discussed the available tools to support producers facing high levels of stress and anxiety.
Coulombe emphasized that discussing mental health often involves having difficult conversations. However, he reassured producers that seeking help to manage stress, anxiety, or any other factors affecting their mental wellness should never be stigmatized.
Statistics reveal the pressing need for mental health support in the agriculture industry. Research conducted by Andria Jones-Bitton, a researcher and professor at the Ontario Veterinary College, found that 35 percent of farmers meet the classification of depression, with 45 percent reporting experiencing high levels of stress. Coulombe highlighted further research, conducted in 2021, that indicated these numbers had not improved. Additionally, the study showed that a significant portion of farmers resorted to hazardous levels of alcohol consumption as a coping mechanism for stress.
Various factors contribute to stress and anxiety in agriculture, including weather conditions, financial challenges, productivity pressures, fluctuating commodity prices, and family dynamics, among others, Coulombe explained.
While some individuals may initially feel resilient enough to handle these pressures on their own, there eventually comes a breaking point where seeking help becomes crucial. Coulombe emphasized, It’s OK to not be OK. He stressed the importance of acknowledging that it is acceptable to experience vulnerability and that happiness is not a constant requirement.
Prolonged stress can lead to chronic pain, reduced productivity, absenteeism, low morale, and even mental illness. However, Coulombe stated that being diagnosed with a mental illness is not a life sentence. Instead, it serves as an opportunity to seek treatment and bounce back due to the available support systems.
To manage stress effectively, Coulombe encouraged producers to prioritize self-care in ways that suit their individual needs. This may involve adopting healthy eating habits, engaging in regular physical exercise, practicing breathing techniques, or exploring meditation. One technique he recommended is box breathing, which involves inhaling for four seconds, holding the breath for four seconds, exhaling for four seconds, and again holding for another four seconds. This simple exercise can help promote calmness and restore clarity of thought.
Fortunately, there are several support systems accessible to producers and their loved ones who may be experiencing mental health challenges. Coulombe highlighted some valuable resources, including the Farmer Wellness Initiative, which offers free and unlimited mental health counseling specifically designed for the agricultural community in Ontario. ConnexOntario provides confidential information and connects individuals struggling with alcohol, drug, mental health, or gambling issues to services available in their local area. The 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Line is a newly implemented helpline dedicated to suicide prevention, providing assistance 24/7 throughout Canada. The Guardian Network, a volunteer-driven community of mental health advocates, offers support to Ontario’s farming community. Lastly, the In the Know program focuses on mental health literacy within the agricultural sector, providing guidance to farmers, their families, and those involved in or supporting the industry.
Coulombe stressed the importance of open conversations surrounding mental health, being aware of available resources, and actively participating in relevant programs. It is vital to remember that all the provided mental health services are free of charge.
It is high time that mental health becomes a priority within the agricultural community. By addressing mental wellness, farmers can better cope with the challenges they face, leading to improved overall well-being and a stronger industry as a whole.
In a profession where their livelihoods depend on nurturing their land and animals, farmers must also dedicate time and effort to nurture their mental health. Seeking help when needed, practicing self-care, and utilizing available support systems are key steps towards achieving mental wellness in the agricultural community.
