MOOSE JAW — The Do More Agriculture Foundation has announced the launch of its 2024 #TalkItOut campaign which seeks to help support agricultural producers who face mental health struggles across the country — and it all starts with a simple conversation.
The campaign began on Aug. 1 and will run through to the end of October.
“The #TalkItOut campaign really just outlines the importance of having a simple conversation,” explained Eugenie Officer, the media relations contact for Do More Ag.
“We hope that by people just having a conversation with their neighbour or their friends or family members about something as simple as the weather… (it) can lead into something a bit deeper.”
The campaign is open to everyone ages 16 and older and provides a safe, anonymous space to connect, share, and support one another through a web-based platform called AgTalk. This platform is free to use, ensures a safe, open, and anonymous space in both official languages, and 24/7 clinical moderation is available to keep the discussion productive.
The National Survey of Farmer Mental Health led by Dr. Andria Jones-Bitton at the University of Guelph recently found that 40 per cent of Canadian producers are hesitant to seek professional help out of a fear of being judged.
Among all Canadian agricultural producers, 58 per cent were found to meet the criteria for anxiety, and 75 per cent — three out of every four — report experiencing mid to high levels of stress, according to the same study.
These results suggest that farming communities across Canada have a strong need for a conversation on mental health and wellbeing.
Research conducted by Jones-Bitton and post-doctoral researcher Dr. Briana Hagen found that a lack of accessibility to mental health supports and services, mental health stigmas, and a lack of anonymity were leading factors that prevent farmers from seeking support. This is what the #TalkItOut campaign seeks to address.
“None of us have to be alone with our thoughts,” said Lauren Martin, chair of the Do More Ag board of directors.
“There is power in connecting with each other, in finding the right support, and it all starts with a conversation.”
The inspiration behind the campaign, Officer explained, is the ongoing stigma that surrounds the topic of mental health within the agricultural community.
“In agriculture, especially, there’s… a sentiment that you need to be tough, you need to be strong, (and) you need to be resilient, because that’s a huge part of the role and the job description in and of itself,” she said.
“And so, a lot of people associate… talking about what they might be dealing with mentally as, perhaps, a sign of vulnerability.”
Getting past that first step, she said, can be both challenging and scary, but the outcome is well worth it.
“We’ve seen it a number of times, just how that first conversation… can lead to a system of support that wasn’t there prior to the conversation.” Some, she said, have described the program as being “life changing.”
For those willing to take the first step, Officer said a good approach is to visit the Do More Ag website where you can find more information and details on how to reach out.
“The Do More Agriculture Foundation is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are in crisis, please visit your local emergency department or call 911 immediately,” a website disclaimer reads.
To access AgTalk, visit DoMore.ag/AgTalk.
For the latest updates including recent program options, visit ‘The Do More Agriculture Foundation’ on Facebook. You can find additional information and numerous resources online at DoMore.ag.
