Know someone struggling with stress? Steps for a mental health check-in

3.5 min read

Mental health challenges are common in agriculture.Getting support doesn’t have to be a last-ditch effort. Take steps to find help early.

Kim Keller, the founder of the Do More Agriculture Foundation, says there are many stress factors producers encounter every day – from the unpredictability of farming to an endless list of tasks. The weight can challenge all of us.

If you or someone you know is struggling under unmanageable stress, constant worry, dark thoughts or other mental health challenges, here are five important steps to take:

1. Watch for warning signs

Megz Reynolds, the former executive director of the Do More Ag Foundation, left farming partly because of its impact on her and her family’s mental health. She says unhealthy feelings and behaviours can be difficult to identify in ourselves and others. Coping behaviours like self-medicating through alcohol can sneak in, and it can be common to normalize what should be flagged.

“There’s farmer Megz: she's yelling at a family member because they did something wrong when they were trying to be helpful; she's having trouble sleeping; she can't remember what she did yesterday; she's having trouble focusing,” Reynolds says.

Rather than family and friends saying, “that’s just how she is,” instead, take it as a sign that something may be going on with her and have a conversation to see if she's OK.

2. Reach out: help exists

The Do More Agriculture Foundation offers a comprehensive, easily searchable list of regional, provincial and national resources and mental health supports.

And even though certain resources may say crisis in the title, don't wait until a crisis to call.

“Getting support doesn’t have to be a last-ditch effort. Take steps to find help early,” Keller says.

3. Open the conversation

It can be difficult to bring up conversations about mental health when you’re suffering or worried about someone else. However, a single conversation can decrease the isolation felt when experiencing a mental health challenge and finding help.

Not sure how to approach a conversation? Keller suggests opening with this: Hey, I just noticed that you're not yourself. Is everything OK?

“That way, the person has the chance to share with you and the option not to. And they also know that the conversation is open for a later date,” Keller says.

4. Support, don’t fix

Keller says there are two key points to remember if someone shares that they are struggling.

“First, I thank them for telling and trusting me. Then I always direct to professional resources,” she says.

Most of us are not trained mental health professionals. We need to help that person feel safe and let them know that what they've shared with us is in trust and that we care about them. Then we need to help them find the professional resources they need.

Begin with the articles and other mental health resources on the FCC website. If the need for help is more urgent, share this information, or reach out yourself to help your friend or family member.

5. Advocate for more support

Agriculture has made big steps towards improving supports for farmers. However, more work lies ahead.

Mental health awareness in agriculture continues to increase, and resources continue to expand. Check out the Hay, are you OK? Section of The Do More Ag website, with assessment and resource tools to help you navigate mental health.

Article by: Madeleine Baerg

Wellness Communication