Ag organizations promote
pathways to producer
mental wellness Igor Stevanovic / 123rf
HBY JILL WINZOSKI eavy debt loads,
f luctuating markets,
unpredictable
weather, and long
hours in relative isolation
are just a few
factors that make farming arguably
one of the most stressful occupations
going. While a strong sense of pride
and fortitude can be indispensable for
carrying on, those same qualities can
prevent a producer from seeking help
for the anxiety, depression, and burnout
that can happen.
In response to this issue, agricultural
organizations are making it
their mission to raise awareness, tackle
stigma and offer tangible help to
people in the farming community who
may be facing mental health challenges
from stress overload.
Among these initiatives is Farm
Credit Canada’s booklet, Rooted In
Strength: Taking Care of our Families
and Ourselves, which was sent to
165,000 farm households this past
November. Created in partnership
with mental health experts, it outlines
tips for stress management, gives testimonials,
and provides contact information
to provincial and national help
lines. A digital copy of this booklet can
be found under the Rooted In Strength
banner on the FCC’s website at
www.fcc-fac.ca.
The farm-lending organization
has also partnered with the Do More
Agriculture Foundation – a not-forprofit
initiative dedicated to championing
the mental wellness of Canadian
producers – to create a mental health
first-aid support network. FCC is contributing
MENTAL HEALTH
$50,000 to a one-year pilot
project with the aim of providing free
mental health first-aid training to producers
and ag industry professionals
across Canada. It not only aims to
raise mental health awareness, but
equips participants with basic support
skills.
In addition, FCC has created a series
of public service announcements, available
for download, including a video
and radio spot featuring Canadian
country music artist Paul Brandt.
Todd Klink, FCC’s Executive vicepresident
and chief marketing officer,
said the campaign is about dissolving
the shame and stigma for seeking help.
“If a person is struggling — or
someone they know and care about is
struggling — it’s about encouraging
them to reach out and get the sup-
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Manitoba Farmers’ Voice § Winter 2019 § 11
/www.fcc-fac.ca
/www.fcc-fac.ca
