A dairy producer from Northern Ireland shares his story about dealing with what he calls the ‘black hood’ of depression
Three years ago, Northern Ireland dairy farmer Adam Watson was not in a good place. Stress from falling milk prices and his forthcoming wedding started to affect his mental health. Little did Watson know then that those pressures would boil over and push him to a point where he seriously considered taking his own life. […] Read moreTag Archives mental health
Animal neglect linked to mental health
A veterinarian draws a direct link between producers’ mental health and the well-being of the livestock in their care
OTTAWA — Stories about livestock that are found to be confined, neglected, emaciated or dead on a farmer’s property tend to generate big headlines. “I don’t understand how anyone could do that,” is the resulting refrain. Dr. Andria Jones-Bitton has heard that common response. “Frankly, if you can’t understand that, it’s probably a good thing. […] Read more
Ranch family tackles mental health
A suicide attempt prompts Alberta producer to set up scholarship for the promotion of mental health awareness
EDMONTON — Lee Kemp flashes a smile through fluffy white whiskers, but behind the good humoured face are fresh memories of his struggles with mental health. After a bout in hospital last spring following a suicide attempt, the Alberta farmer learned it is not a sign of weakness to ask for help or talk about […] Read more
Higher incomes not alleviating farm stress
Despite a rising trend in farm income over the last 10 years, farmers are experiencing significant uncertainty and stress, says a University of Regina researcher. Dr. Amber Fletcher, speaking to the House of Commons agriculture committee during its study of mental health, said her analysis of farm income between 1981 and 2017 “shows that since […] Read more
Farmers pushed to breaking point: expert
Suicide prevention is identified as a key way to address the mental health pressures that producers are facing
High stress levels, isolation and lack of access to mental health care are combining to push agricultural producers to their breaking points, according to a mental health expert. Testifying at the House of Commons agriculture committee last week, the president of the Mental Health Commission of Canada said a number of practical measures are required […] Read moreYour most important crop investment
What’s the most important investment you’ll make in your crop this year? You.
MPs study mental health services for farmers
An advocate for better mental health support for farmers says the House of Commons agriculture committee’s decision to study the issue is a good step forward. Kim Keller, a Saskatchewan farmer who co-founded DoMoreAg, said she hopes the committee work will complement research that has already been done, such as that at Ontario’s University of […] Read more
Ag committee to study mental health
The House of Commons agriculture committee has agreed to study rural mental health. Committee members voted unanimously in favour of a motion put forward by Liberal MP Pierre Breton at their Monday meeting. The motion called on the committee to study mental health challenges faced by farmers, ranchers and producers. The committee will meet with […] Read more
An isolating illness: talking about mental health
When Trewett Chaplin is stressed, he puts his head down and focuses on one task that he has to get done that day on his ranch. At 28 years old, Chaplin takes care of 550 head of cattle and 230 head of bison on his ranch near Craik, Sask. He farms by himself and is […] Read more
Feeling stressed? How to cope with the pressures of farming
There are numerous indicators showing that changes are happening in farm business management. Nothing too surprising about that. I experienced one recently when I had the opportunity to facilitate a peer group meeting. There were 12 people: some younger, others seasoned, representing eight farms. The change that I witnessed was the willingness of those at […] Read more
