The Do More Agriculture Foundation has Launched #TalkItOut Campaign to address the mental wellbeing of those in the Canadian Agriculture Industry and changing the culture of Agriculture to one where all are encouraged,supported, and empowered
to take care of their mental wellbeing.
“None of us have to be alone with our thoughts. There is power in connecting with each other, in finding the right support, and it all starts with a conversation,” said Lauren Martin, Chair of the Board of Directors at Do More Ag.
This important initiative has the goal of raising awareness around the critical need for open conversations about mental health in agriculture.
“The Do More Agriculture Foundation is out supporting farmers through their mental health journey and reduce the stigma around mental health in agriculture by providing workshops, tools, and resources to support them, these we do through various donations, sponsorship from industries and organizations,” said Eugenie Officer, media relations representative for the Do More Ag Foundation.
Recent findings by Dr. Andria Jones-Bitton at the University of Guelph, revealed some alarming statistics. There is 40 per cent of producers across Canada are hesitant to seek professional help due to fear of judgment, while 58 per cent meet the criteria for anxiety, and 75 percent report experiencing mid to high stress levels.
The #TalkItOut campaign highlights the power of conversation in tackling mental health challenges,this platform ensures a secure environment for open discussions about mental health in both English and French,” said Officer
Through its various programs and resources, the Foundation is working to build a supportive community and provide a safe space for individuals to share and seek help.
“A few years back we had an awareness campaign to create more conversation around mental health in agriculture and this we want to have people come together and start a simple conversation to talk it out, and really hope that the conversation can bring out something else more than just talk about crops,” said Officer.
By collaborating with industry, government, and those working to address mental health,the Do More Agriculture Foundation make a substantial Impact, empowered to take care of their mental wellbeing.
“Those in the Canadian agriculture industry are among the most vulnerable when it comes to mental health issues. Stress, anxiety, depression, emotional exhaustion, and burnout are all high in the industry,” said Officer.
