Plowing Through Pain: Farmer Depression and Anxiety

If you're a farmer, chances are farming runs in your family and has been handed down for generations. You likely work long hours, burning the candle at both ends to provide for your family and to have a successful farm. Yet you might feel it isn’t enough, experiencing a sense of failure as a farmer, partner and parent. You can’t sleep. Your mind is racing. You feel exhausted, overwhelmed and alone. Your marriage is falling apart. You try to be tough and do it all on your own but you are suffering silently.

Dear farmer, if this is you, research tells us, you are not alone.

Anxiety, Depression and Suicide Risk Factors Among Farmers in Alberta

A study of Canadian farmers titled ‘Stress, anxiety, depression, and resilience in Canadian farmers’ found 57% of farmers experienced anxiety, 34% depression and 62% psychological distress. The University of Alberta’s recent research study, 'Understanding the factors contributing to farmer suicide’ explores the increased mental health and risk factors for suicide in farmers.

Financial Stress of Farmers in Alberta

The financial instability of farming is a major source of stress for farmers in Alberta. Market fluctuations, unstable weather patterns, low crop yields and animal disease can impact their income causing financial strain. The never-ending feeling of uncertainty can impact farmers’ mental health, increasing the likelihood of stress, anxiety, and depression in Albertan farmers.

Occupational Stress of Alberta Farmers

Farmers experienced occupational stress and burn-out from excessive workloads and long hours. Stress arising from unpredictable work conditions could lead farmers to feel trapped and hopeless. Furthermore, the physical demands of farming might result in exhaustion and chronic pain, compounding the impact on the mental well-being and mental health of farmers.

Farmers' Gender Norms Impacting Mental Health in Alberta

Traditional gender norms in farming can have a significant impact on mental health. The expectations tied to gender roles may create stress and limitations for both male and female farmers.

For male farmers, there might be pressure to embody a stoic and unyielding image, suppressing emotions and downplaying mental health struggles. This can lead to a reluctance to seek help when needed, contributing to issues like depression or anxiety going unaddressed.

Farmers who adhered to masculinity ideals, emphasizing financial security, strength, toughness, non-emotionality, and self-reliance versus help-seeking, were prone to increased anger, depression, anxiety and mental health concerns.

On the other hand, female farmers may face challenges in breaking through gender stereotypes that traditionally associate them with specific roles, often excluding them from certain aspects of farm management or decision-making. This exclusion can lead to feelings of inadequacy, frustration, and increased mental strain.

Relationship, Marriage and Family Stress in Alberta Farmers

Marriage stress or relationship conflict was deemed a risk factor for depression, anxiety and suicide among farmers in Alberta.

The stress and pressure of farming can contribute to strained relationships within the family. Communication breakdowns may occur due to the emotional toll of managing a farm, leading to misunderstandings and conflicts among family members.

Family farms are often family businesses as well. Balancing the roles of family members in both personal and professional capacities can be challenging. Issues related to decision-making, succession planning, and conflicts of interest can arise, adding an extra layer of complexity to family relationships.

The demanding nature of farming, including long working hours and financial uncertainties, often spills over into family life, contributing to relationship strain. The added pressures of managing a family and dealing with personal issues, such as conflicts and health struggles, can compound stress levels.

Social Isolation of Farmers in Alberta

Farms are often situated in rural areas, and the isolation can contribute to a lack of social support. Limited access to community resources, healthcare, and educational opportunities can further impact the well-being of family members.

The seclusion experienced in rural areas may intensify sensations of isolation and a sense of being misunderstood by those unfamiliar with the distinctive pressures farmers endure.

The isolation associated with living in rural areas can magnify emotions of loneliness and frustration, adversely affecting mental well-being.

Stigma Surrounding Alberta Farmer Mental Health

Additionally, the stigma surrounding mental health in the farming community was a significant barrier for farmers to access mental health support.

The stigma around mental health in farming communities can be a big hurdle. There's often this unspoken pressure to appear tough and resilient, making it difficult for farmers to open up about their struggles. Mental health issues might be seen as a sign of weakness, and that can stop someone from seeking help when they really need it. Breaking down this stigma is crucial for ensuring that farmers feel comfortable talking about their mental well-being and getting the support they deserve.

Increasing Alberta Farmer Wellbeing and Resilience

Improving farmer well-being and resilience necessitates a comprehensive approach encompassing mental health awareness, stigma reduction, and strengthened support networks. Addressing mental health in farming communities requires breaking free from these gender norms. Encouraging open conversations about emotions and mental well-being for everyone involved in farming, regardless of gender, is crucial.

Mental Health Counselling for Farmers

Counselling can be a lifeline for farmers grappling with mental health issues. By offering a safe space to express thoughts and feelings, farmers can work through stressors and develop effective coping mechanisms. Skilled counsellors provide strategies for managing anxiety, stress, and depression, tailored to the unique challenges of agricultural life. Counselling can be pivotal in fostering resilience, breaking down stigma, and providing support.

Stress, Depression and Anxiety Counselling in Olds, Alberta

At Williamson & Associates Counselling in Olds, Alberta, our counsellors offer in person counselling at our Olds, Alberta location, or virtual to anyone in the province of Alberta.

To begin counselling for yourself, child, teen, relationship or family, book a free consultation call, one of our amazing therapists will take the time to get to know you and your needs and get you set up with a therapist that’s the right fit for you.

We work with children, teens, men, women, couples and families experiencing stress, anxiety, trauma, grief, depression, LGBTQ+, and much more. Reach out today to begin your free 15- minute consultation.

Your path to healing and self-discovery begins here at Williamson & Associates Counselling in Olds, Alberta- don’t wait; start your journey toward a happier, healthier life today!