While conversations about mental health are quite prominent these days the Hastings Federation of Agriculture is looking to increase that discussion around its members and farmers in general.
The HFA is partnering with a firm called Cultivate Counselling Services to run the Hastings Farmer Wellness Program, which would provide up to four free mental health counselling sessions for farmers.
HFA’s Resi Walt tells Quinte News farmers deal with some unique day-to-day stressors that can take a toll on mental health, apart from looking after animals and managing staff and working with machinery.
Walt says those outside the agriculture sector might not realize the stress faced by many farmers.
A recent survey by Guelph University researchers found that 58% of farmers experience symptoms of anxiety, with almost half of the respondents noting high levels of stress and 40% saying they were reluctant to get help over fears of what others might think.
Walt says if you’re feeling that way, it’s important to get help.
The program, which was started in Lennox and Addington County, would allow farmers to speak with a qualified professional on their own schedule, either in person, via phone, or video chat and would be strictly confidential.
You can click here to learn more about the program, or call 613-985-7233.
