By Bruce Cochrane
A survey of Canadian agricultural producers which asks about the stress they face will be used to make a case for increased resources to help deal with stress.
Researchers at the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph are conducting a study of agricultural producer stress.
Dr. Andria Jones-Bitton, a doctor of veterinary medicine and Associate Professor of Epidemiology in the Department of Population Medicine, says the survey asks about stresses producers are experiencing and examines depression, anxiety and burn out.
Dr. Andria Jones-Bitton-University of Guelph:
We're looking at those numerous different outcomes, so the stresses and where those stresses are coming from as well some mental health indices and importantly also resilience.
We know that producers are strong individuals and highly resilient, so trying to understand how that resilience serves them well so we can help train other producers in those skills.
All of this is a baseline study to get the information we need to make a solid case for getting better resources available to our farming population.
In the survey we also ask whether producers have sought any help for any distresses that they are experiencing and, if they had, what they thought about those resources.
If they hadn't we've asked about why they hadn't and what they think should be made available.
Our primary objective is that we create some resources that will be specifically tailored to our Canadian farmers and that can best serve them in helping to manage some of the struggles they may face and to increase their own wellness and resilience.
Dr. Jones-Bitton says researchers have set a goal of 1,000 producers and it's important to hear from all types of producers not only those who are experiencing stress.
To participate in the survey visit www.producerwellness.ca or for more information contact Dr. Andria Jones-Bitton at the University of Guelph.
Source: Farmscape