Support for farmers experiencing distress

Farmers play a vital role in our society. Every day, they face economic, environmental, and personal challenges. These realities can sometimes contribute to significant psychological distress. If you are going through a difficult time or feeling distressed, know that psychological support and resources are available to you. Asking for help is an important first step in taking care of yourself. 

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Not shutting myself off and talking about it—that’s what helped me get through it.

-Étienne Lamy, dairy and field crop producer

What are the main causes of stress in farm life? 

Life in the agricultural community presents challenges that can become sources of stress. It’s important to recognize when these challenges may become too much to bear. Some challenges may include: 
 

  •  Financial problems (e.g., having to make major investments in machinery or animal welfare, high debt, etc.) 
  •  Performance pressure (e.g., excessive workload, having to take on multiple roles at work, etc.) 
  •  A highly unpredictable environment (e.g., changing weather, price fluctuations, animal diseases, changes in policies or administrative requirements, etc.) 
  •  Environmental obligations and social pressure (devaluation of the profession, lack of recognition, etc.) 
  •  The lack of successors (e.g., difficulty finding skilled workers or someone to take over the business) 
  •  The desire to perform well while also being present for family 

What are some possible warning signs? 

The appearance of one or more of these signs is not something to be taken lightly. It’s possible to address these symptoms and prevent the situation from getting worse. These symptoms can vary and manifest in the following ways: 
 

  • Physical: muscle tension, insomnia, digestive issues, injuries resulting from stress, emotions, or inattention, injuries that impede on daily tasks, etc. 
  • Social: increased interpersonal conflicts, isolation, a crumbling social network, etc. 
  • Thoughts: distorted all-or-nothing thinking, such as “Everyone will be better off without me” or “I’ll never make it,” the emergence of dark thoughts or suicidal thoughts, excessive worrying, etc. 
  • Concentration: difficulty concentrating or memory loss 

What should you do if you work in agriculture and are experiencing distress? 

When your level of distress affects your business or your family life, or when suicidal thoughts arise or intensify, it’s important to seek appropriate psychological support. You deserve a space to breathe. 

What are some good resources for getting help? 

  • Au cœur des familles agricoles (ACFA) – Areas served: Bas-Saint-Laurent, Capitale-Nationale, Centre-du-Québec, Chaudière-Appalaches, Côte-Nord, Estrie, Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Mauricie, Montérégie, Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean 

A few tips for handling psychological distress in the agricultural world

What should you do if you’re worried about a loved one?

It’s perfectly normal to worry about a loved one during difficult times or when their behaviour changes. As noted by ACFA, nearly 60% of requests for help for farmers come from their loved ones. Visit the ACFA website or the “I’m Worried about Someone with Suicidal Thoughts” section for information on how to help a loved one in the agricultural community.  

How can you get involved in suicide prevention? 

If you’re in contact with farmers in your daily life and would like to get involved in suicide prevention in your community, there’s a training program that allows you to serve as a point of contact for people in distress and as a bridge to support resources.