mental health Archives - Page 3 of 5

Regulate your nervous system

Fit to Farm: Turns out “shaking it off” can really help if you’re feeling stressed out

By Kathlyn Hossack February 6, 2023

Nervous system regulation is becoming a common term nowadays when discussing emotional and physical well-being. To best understand what nervous system regulation means, we first need a basic understanding of how our nervous system works. The nervous system as a whole is essentially our biological operating system. It controls our biological functions, movements, sensations and […] Read more

One in five people experience a mental health problem or illness each year.

Editor's column, Wheat & Chaff

Editor’s Column: Stop mental health stigma

By Kari Belanger February 1, 2023

I started this column with different intentions. I wanted to revisit some topics and tools to promote mental health and well-being. However, as I was reading about mental health in general, I got stuck on this thought: how do you have a conversation about mental health when there is still such stigma attached to the […] Read more

Farmers face a number of uncontrollable factors that can lead to high rates of depression, anxiety, even suicide. (Eclipse_images/E+/Getty Images)

General

Free mental health training, workshops offered for farmers

Do More Ag Foundation expands programming available

By GFM Network News November 24, 2022

Farmers seeking mental health support will have access to free training and community workshops for the fourth year in a row via the Do More Agriculture Foundation (DMAF) and Farm Credit Canada (FCC). Factors such as financial insecurity, uncontrollable weather and isolating working conditions contribute to high depression, anxiety and suicide rates among farmers, according […] Read more

Features, Practical Tips

How to build your resilience

When it comes to your mental health, resilience is an important skill to develop. Here’s why and how

By Jim Timlick November 22, 2022

Farming can exact a heavy emotional toll on even the hardiest of souls. Between dealing with volatile markets, extreme weather and long hours of work, often in isolated conditions, it’s no surprise Canadian farmers suffer higher rates of anxiety and depression than the general public. A University of Guelph study surveyed 1,132 Canadian farmers between […] Read more

Farming is unlike any other occupation, chock full of unique stressors and demands that require specific supports.

News, Wheat & Chaff

Study defines farm culture, identifies mental health supports

By Erin Kelly March 7, 2022

Long days spent alone. Extreme weather events. Unpredictable markets. Finances. Disease. The list goes on. There’s no question that farming is a stressful occupation. There’s also no question that farming is unlike any other occupation. And that raises the question of how to ensure services and supports reflect the unique stressors and demands of the […] Read more

Wheat & Chaff

Sowing the seeds of mental health

By Canadian Agricultural Safety Association February 15, 2022

Mental well-being, physical health and safety are all a part of a person’s overall ability to live and function well. Farmers, farm workers and farm families aren’t immune to the stress of everyday life, and circumstances of isolation, uncertainty and stress can have great effects. The COVID-19 global pandemic has also affected many groups, including […] Read more

All of us go through storms, and 2021 was a doozy for weather stress, drought, price rallies, contract obligations, lockdowns, social isolation and many more.

Farm Life, FarmLife

Froese: Why I’m glad I took Mental Health First Aid

Whether you’re looking for help with self-care or how to be more supportive to others — this could be the course for you

By Elaine Froese January 10, 2022

Recently I was saddened by the passing of three folks in the space of one week whom I had a connection with. I suspect many of you are grieving losses experienced in the past 22 months during this Great Pause. I want you to explore some new learning and consider signing up for the virtual […] Read more

One of my self-care efforts this year will be to walk these two first thing in the morning, rather than putting it last (or skipping it altogether) on my to-do list. I’ll also walk mindfully, taking in nature and my surroundings on purpose rather than running through the tasks that need to get done in my head and missing the walk completely.

Editor's column, Wheat & Chaff

Editor’s Column: Five easy focus areas to help make 2022 your year of self-care

By Kari Belanger January 5, 2022

Happy New Year! May you and your family enjoy peace, prosperity and joy in 2022. If you haven’t heard it enough from me and other sources over the past year, I’ll say it again. You are your farm’s greatest asset. No one could step into your shoes and take over your role within — and […] Read more

A lesson from the pandemic is learning new levels of self-compassion and acknowledging what our bodies may be telling us. You may be experiencing states of lower energy, languishing, higher anxiety, depression and more physical symptoms right now.

Farm Life, FarmLife

Has the pandemic taken a toll on your well-being?

Fit to Farm: When faced with long-term stress the body responds with physical symptoms

By Kathlyn Hossack November 4, 2021

We live in strange, often intense and unpredictable times. Regardless of your direct experience of the pandemic, it is safe to assume we all have experienced big changes, increases in tension or conflict and perhaps even changes to our physical well-being. The pandemic and all the changes that have come with it certainly are reasons […] Read more

As a farmer, Cynthia Beck knows first hand about mental health issues, and she is also working as a health care provider to help others who may be going through a tough time.

Cattleman’s Corner, News

Connecting rural communities to mental health

Don’t be afraid to reach out for help

By Heather Smith Thomas March 2, 2021

People in rural communities with limited access to mental health care can use the phone as the first step to reach a crisis intervention program, says Cynthia Beck, a farmer and university student completing her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology. She plans to finish graduate school and become a registered clinical psychologist working in rural […] Read more

Alberta crop conditions improve: report

U.S. grains: Corn sets contract lows on expectations for big US crop

U.S. livestock: Cattle strength continues

GFM Network News