Mental Health & Agriculture Resources

Mental Health & Agriculture

The Most Important Asset on a Farm is the Farmer

Farmers are well aware of why health and safety is important on the farm, and now more than ever, farmers know that this includes mental health and safety. Farming is demanding on the best of days, and when our mental health isn’t prioritized, simple every day chores become challenging and stressful tasks. Farming requires hard working and resilient people, but this reslience can take its toll. Today’s farmers and the broader agriculture communitiy recognizes just how important it is to Think Mental Health.

This page has been created specifically for the agriculture industry and is intended to connect farmers and community members to strategically picked resources.

If you are in crisis, or know of any person who may be in danger, call 9-1-1 or visit your local Crisis Center as soon as possible.

Check Out These Resources From Leading Partners in Agriculture:

Farmer Wellness Initiative – the Ontario provincial and federal governments are providing access for up to four free counselling sessions with a mental health professional for all farmers across the province, including members of their family.
Mental Health for Famers – First Aid Kit – Information on self care, crisis phone lines, stress mitigation resources and more.
Raising Awareness on Mental Health & Agriculture Webinar – Using the Stop-Think-Act approach this webinar discusses what mental health is and why it is important to talk about it.
Continuing the Conversation of Mental Health in Agriculture Webinar – Continue the conversation of mental health by learning about the 13+ workplace factors as they relate to Agriculture.
The Daily Chore (Ontario Version) – Designed to support famers’ understanding of stress, its impact and to promote a variety of helpful coping methods.
Stop Think Act – Stop-Think-Act videos help you recognize and protect yourself from farm hazards. Check out this one on Mental Health in Agriculture.
In The Know – ‘In the Know’ is designed to help you learn about mental health and illness, promoting wellbeing in your life, how to recognize when someone is struggling, and how to respond. The course has been developed by and for farmers and evaluated by researchers at the University of Guelph.
Ag Health & Safety Alliance: Stress and Mental Health Resources – A compilation of posters, videos, resource booklets and crisis lines related to Agriculture and Mental Health in Canada.
The Do More Agriculture Foundation – Resources, crisis lines and websites sorted by nation-wide availability and by province.
Farm Management Canada Media Kit – Easy-to-use resources for promoting mental health awareness in agriculture.
CASA: Mental Health & Stress – A collection of resources available for Farmers and their families about mental health and stress.
CCOHS: Farming Mental Health in Canada Infographic – An infographic that outlines some of the many stressors and how they can affect farmers, and what can be done to help support them so they can be healthy and thrive, even in times of uncertainty or stress.
CCHST: Infographie sur la santé mentale des agriculteurs au Canada – Vous pouvez distribuer cette infographie, qui illustre certains des nombreux facteurs de stress et de quelle façon ils touchent les agriculteurs. Elle illustre aussi des façons d’aider les agriculteurs pour favoriser leur santé et leur épanouissement, même en période d’incertitude ou de stress.

Simple Ways to Help Your Farming Community:

Break the silence
Let others know mental health is not a taboo subject.
Take breaks
Remember to take time for yourself, even just a coffee break.
Educate others
We fear what we don’t understand. Share knowledge that helps break down stereotypes.
Listen
Be available to family, friends and workers struggling with mental health issues.
Watch your language
Discourage disparaging remarks and labels. Encourage respect of all.

Two farmers talk on the field, then shake hands. Use a tablet

This website is provided "as is", and your use of the information on this site, or the external links it provides, are entirely at your own responsibility and risk. Information, ideas and opinions expressed on this website should not be regarded as professional advice, or our official opinion. Accordingly, you are strongly advised to consult us, or your professional adviser, before acting on such information. Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS), and the Ontario Ministry of Labour (MOL), shall not be responsible or liable for any inaccuracies or miscalculations arising from defects or incorrect use. If you notice inaccuracies, or have other recommended changes, please contact us at info@thinkmentalhealth.ca.

CRISIS?