CMHA celebrates Canada’s Agricultural Day and reminds farmers of supports available

Feb 15, 2023

On February 15 2023, CMHA Waterloo Wellington joins Canadians across the country in celebrating Canada’s Agriculture Day and show our support for the people that make our agriculture industry possible.

Mental health in the agriculture industry is a topic of growing concern. The many constant demands, pressures and time constraints that come with this line of work often make farmers and producers put their work ahead of their well-being. Living in rural areas and social stigma are also among the factors that make receiving treatment and accessing services more difficult.

To help, CMHA Waterloo Wellington offers In the Know, a mental health literacy workshop designed specifically for farmers, their families and those who are involved and/or support the agriculture sector. This free, four-hour workshop covers topics of stress, depression, anxiety, substance use and how to start a conversation around mental well-being. To learn more or to inquire about booking the workshop, please email: education@cmhaww.ca.

Agriculture Wellness Ontario is bringing mental health education, counselling services and enhanced community support to farming communities across the province, with our suite of programs: the Farmer Wellness Initiative, The Guardian Network, and In the Know. It is managed by the Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario and the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, and in partnership with other stakeholders in the agricultural community, including the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) and the University of Guelph. Agriculture Wellness Ontario is paid for in part by the governments of Canada and Ontario and through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (the Partnership), a five-year, federal-provincial-territorial initiative. Learn more at AgricultureWellnessOntario.ca.