The CMHA will present In the Know on Sept. 18
By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com
Mental health professionals are inviting farmers and other members of Ontario’s ag community to participate in a free webinar on Sept. 18.
On that date from 10am to 2pm EST, reps from the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) will present In the Know, a mental health literacy workshop tailored for farmers, their families and others working in ag.
“We cover a variety of topics,” Rebecca Posthumus, a program coordinator with CMHA who runs the virtual sessions, told Farms.com. “Things like stress, depression, anxiety, substance abuse and how to start conversations around mental health and mental wellbeing.”
Research shows farmers are facing multiple mental health complications like stress and burnout.
A 2021 University of Guelph study of almost 1,200 Canadian farmers showed 76 per cent of respondents were experiencing moderate or high levels of stress.
And when farmers in Ontario call the Farmer Wellness Initiative, “stress is always the main reason folks are calling that line,” Posthumus said.
These webinars can help producers overcome misconceptions about seeking help.
Some producers may feel they’ll be viewed as weak if they reach out for mental health support.
But In the Know provides a space where farmers can share experiences, Posthumus said.
“This is something lots of folks in agriculture experience,” she said. “Starting the conversation to break down that stigma is the biggest piece of In the Know and why we do what we do.”
CMHA took over presenting In the Know from the University of Guelph about two years ago.
During that time, CMHA reps noticed more people in ag are taking note of the support.
“When we’re at trade shows people are coming up to us and telling us they’re interested, or they’re happy that we’re talking about mental health in ag,” Erica Sayles, another CMHA rep, told Farms.com. “Before, people didn’t know what we did.”
Farms.com asked Posthumus and Sayles what they do to support their own mental health.
Both indicated they like to spend time outside.
“Gardening or working out (or) going for a walk outside is where I can find some time to recharge,” Sayles said.
“Between being outside and being with family and my dog, it’s nice to spend some time with her,” Posthumus said. “I do see someone for my own mental health. I always say the best therapists have therapists.”
Farmers who can’t make the Sept. 18 webinar will have more opportunities to participate in In the Know.
Sessions are scheduled for Oct. 23, Nov. 14 and Dec. 9.
Anyone requiring mental health support can dial 9-8-8 in Canada.
Farms.com has also compiled a list of available mental health resources.