Gerry Friesen has had many titles during his life – farmer, Manitoba ag industry rep, mediator and counselor to name a few.
But he recently added published author to that list with the release of his book, The Recovering Farmer.
The 204-page book chronicles parts of Friesen’s life beginning around 2004, the year he and his brother, Bob, a former president of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, took over the family’s farm near Wawanesa, Man.
“That’s when I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression while I was farming,” he told Farms.com.
During a mediation meeting with clients, his body provided clues something was wrong.
“Quickly, and without warning, my heart starts palpitating, flopping around like a fish out of water,” the introduction to the first chapter says. “Along with that comes a shortness of breath. I feel lightheaded. Without appearing too obvious, I grab the table, convinced I will pass out. All I can think is that I am having a heart attack and am about to die.”