Farmers dealing with chronic stress now have 24-hour national crisis line

Farmers in New Brunswick are facing a multitude of challenges that are impacting their mental health, including chronic stress, anxiety, and depression. Victoria Hutt, the mental health and farm safety co-ordinator with the Agriculture Alliance of New Brunswick, highlighted the significant impact that these issues are having on farmers’ overall well-being.

With the increasing financial burden of farming, the isolation that comes with fewer and larger farms, and the pressure of passing down the farm to the next generation, farmers are under immense strain. Hutt emphasized that farmers not only have to deal with physical challenges such as long hours and machinery breakdowns but also face challenges on the business side, such as integrating new technology into their workflow.

To address these mental health concerns, the Canadian Centre for Agricultural Wellbeing has launched a 24/7 National Farmer Crisis Line. This crisis line is staffed by professionals specifically trained in farm stress and can provide immediate help, whether it’s offering coping strategies, one-off counseling sessions, or simply listening to farmers in distress.

One of the most alarming statistics from a recent study conducted by the University of Guelph is that suicidal ideation is two times higher among farmers than in the general population. The study found that one in four surveyed farmers had thoughts of suicide or felt that their life was not worth living in the past year. These troubling statistics highlight the urgent need for resources like the national crisis line for farmers.

Hutt hopes that the new crisis line will encourage farmers to seek help and open up about their struggles. She emphasized that even if someone is not ready to call a crisis line, talking to someone about their mental health is crucial. Many farmers are suffering in silence, and reaching out for support can make a significant difference.

In conclusion, the mental health challenges facing farmers in New Brunswick are real and concerning. The launch of the 24/7 National Farmer Crisis Line is a crucial step towards addressing these issues and providing much-needed support to farmers in distress. It is essential for farmers to know that help is available and that they do not have to face these challenges alone.