By: Crispin Colvin (guest blogger)
About Crispin: Crispin Colvin is a Director with the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, representing farmers in the southwestern Ontario counties of Lambton and Middlesex. He and his wife have a small herd of beef cows and grow corn, soybeans and wheat together with their son and his young family.
Farming is much like any career. Where we differ is that, in agriculture, we have many different variables that add stress to our daily lives. We are business owners and often the sole employee. Family plays an important part in our day to day lives. They too work on the farm, often in a part time capacity. Some farms will have employees, which can add another level of challenge and stress.
Some of the variables, challenges, that we face are weather, health of animals, long days in the fields, pressures of financial management and the need to care and provide for our family. These are just some of the stress factors farmers face. It is important that farm families have support for their well being and mental health. Just as farming can take a physical toll on our bodies, so too can the stress of farming take a toll on our mental health.
Farmers know that in order to have your equipment ready for the season ahead and to keep it in peak condition, requires regular maintenance to perform at its best. Farmers also need to perform regular maintenance on our mental health as well. As the most valuable resource on the farm, we need to have our mental health at the top of the list in order to work safely and be there for our families. With winter comes some down time. This is a good time to check in on yourself and to be sure you will be in top operating performance for the year ahead. Your mental well being is as important, perhaps more so, than your physical well being. Make sure you have time for your chores, but more importantly, make sure you have time for your loved ones. Enjoy some of the slower time this season brings. Recharge your physical and mental batteries for the year ahead.
As the year progresses, make sure you take breaks. Be sure to eat properly. To function well, machinery needs care. It needs maintenance and fuel. So do you. You need maintenance such as rest and a good sleep. You need fuel, good food. Even a meal taken with family in the field is a good break from staying in equipment and just having a snack.
If you feel overwhelmed, reach out. There are many supports for farmers and their employees. Take care of others if you can. Checking in on neighbours and friends lets people know you care. It is also beneficial for you. We need company and other people to share our stories and our ideas.
If you, or anyone you know, feels they would like to talk to someone, have them call the FARMER WELLNESS INITIATIVE at 1-866-267-6244. This number is available 24 hours a day in English, French, and Spanish.
Its okay to not be okay.
