It’s May and we’re all running full tilt. May also means that Mental Health Awareness Month is officially here — a time to pause, check in with ourselves and each other, as well as shine a light on mental well-being in farming communities.
May gives a chance to join a global effort, to amplify messages, share tools and help to eliminate the stigma that still surrounds mental health.
On the east coast, in Nova Scotia they are bringing back Talk About It Tuesdays — a weekly series designed to normalize the conversation and remind folks that it’s okay to talk about how we’re really doing. Tune in on our new We Talk. We Grow. Instagram page to follow along.
On the west coast, the Canadian Mental Health Association of B.C. advises if you are you concerned about someone else, phone support is available. If you think that someone else is experiencing an emergency, call 9-1-1 or if the other person is willing, you can also take them to a local emergency medical centre.
If someone shares thoughts of self-harm or suicide and you don’t know how serious the situation is, call or text 9-8-8 from anywhere in Canada or call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) in BC. It’s better to ask for help — don’t wait, support is available.
For a list of resources available to farmers and industry across Canada – please consult Small Farm Canada’s list of Canadian Mental Health Resources at:
https://www.smallfarmcanada.ca/resources/canadian-mental-health-resources/
For more information, inspiration and connections that you can use on your farm, market garden, homestead property or woodlot, subscribe here and get Small Farm Canada delivered straight to your door!