Matt Treble
From extreme weather events to international tariffs, the last few years have shown that there are plenty of things that fall outside of an agricultural producer’s control that can cause stress, burnout, or other impacts to mental wellness. In addition, mental health is perceived as highly stigmatized in society, meaning that people who may be struggling may not feel comfortable or safe talking about what they are going through. This is often due to a fear of being judged or being perceived as weak.
AgSafe has been an industry leader in shifting the narrative on mental health and wellness in BC agriculture through creating tailored ag-specific mental health programming, delivering free educational/training opportunities to the agricultural communities in BC, and providing free counselling to people who are part of BC agriculture.
Mental Health & Agriculture
There are many things that can cause stress for a producer; machinery breakdowns, influenza, extreme weather events, financial stress, and family conflicts are just a few examples. Stress can show up differently for different people, and some may not even realize they are experiencing high stress or burnout for a long time or until their symptoms start to significantly impact their work and life.
Stress
Stress is a complex human experience because, most of the time, it is actually a positive thing our body and mind experience to help protect us. However, stress can also build to a point where it is no longer positive and can impact our day-to-day lives. Stress shows up in a lot of different ways for everyone. For some, it may show up as a foggy mind, increased heart rate, or fatigue. Stress can also make some people feel more irritable, experience insomnia or less sleep, and even take a toll on personal relationships.
Feeling stressed is very normal in agricultural work, as numerous factors can cause stress. What we want to keep an eye on is when that stress may be starting to accumulate and negatively impact us. Here are some ideas of what to keep an eye out for:
- Increased heart rate (e.g., heart is pounding when you feel stressed)
- Exhaustion (e.g., how much sleep are you getting?)
- Mood (e.g., am I feeling more annoyed lately at the small things?)
- Increased accidents/risks (e.g., have you been having more farming accidents or close calls lately?)
The reason we want to pay attention to our own stress is that if it is left unchecked, it can continue to worsen and lead to burnout. Burnout can happen when our body and mind are at a much lower capacity due to ongoing stress. Feeling burnt out can have more noticeable (and potentially dangerous) impacts on our work. Being burnt out is not fun for anyone, so we want to try to intervene when we are feeling high stress so that we do not reach the point of burnout.
So, what do we do if we think we may be feeling burnt out or if we are worried about someone else?
Available Resources and Supports
The good news is that there are plenty of agriculturally aware resources and supports that you can reach out to (or that you can share with someone you are worried about!)!
Do More Ag – AgTalk
AgTalk is a peer-to-peer support platform, powered by Togetherall, specifically designed for individuals working in agriculture. Peer support programs aim to bring people together who belong to the same community. They teach you skills and knowledge to support each other. Consider signing up for AgTalk today and join a growing digital community aimed at supporting Canadian agriculture.
As well, you can receive support for yourself through this program! You can learn more about AgTalk on the Do More Agriculture Foundation’s website: domore.ag/agtalk
National Farmer’s Wellness Line
Call 1-866-FARMS01 (1-866-327-6701) for support 24/7. This distress line was created specifically for Canadian agriculture and works to connect Canadian producers with counselling support that understands the realities of agriculture. The service is entirely free and confidential. You can learn more about the National Farmers’ Wellness Line on the Canadian Centre for Agricultural Wellbeing website: ccaw.ca/national-farmer-wellness-network
Rural Minds Matter
The ‘Rural Minds Matter’ campaign aims to reduce stigma, increase mental health awareness, and develop peer groups among people living in rural, remote communities across Northern British Columbia. Learn more about Rural Minds Matter on the Stigma Free Mental Health Society’s website: stigmafreementalhealth.com/campaigns/rural-minds-matter
9-8-8
9-8-8 is a free, 24/7 national distress line that you can access by phone or text for all Canadians. Services are currently available in English and French. To access, simply call or text 9-8-8.
This distress line provides anonymous emotional support for whatever you’re going through. The volunteer call takers will work with you to navigate the emotional impacts and stressful situations you are experiencing.
AgSafe’s Mental Wellness Initiative
AgSafe’s Mental Wellness Initiative is a program that provides accessible and free counselling services (virtual or in-person) with mental health professionals to members of the BC agriculture sector. These services are available in multiple languages, including Punjabi, Hindi, and Spanish.
This program was designed specifically to bridge the gap between BC agricultural workers and tailored mental health support. One-on-one support can be highly beneficial, allowing you the time and space to work with a registered mental health professional to navigate tough times.
AgSafe’s team of approved mental health professionals are all pre-approved and committed to supporting BC agriculture. View the available mental health professionals on AgSafe’s website: agsafebc.ca/mental-wellness/counsellors
Working in agriculture can be deeply rewarding, but it also comes with unique pressures that can take a toll on mental wellness. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, burned out, or simply not yourself, know that you’re not alone—and that reaching out for support is not a sign of weakness. In fact, seeking help is one of the strongest things a person can do. Counselling and mental health resources are available to support producers like you, who carry a significant burden for their families, communities, and the land.
These services are confidential, agriculture-aware, and designed to meet you where you are. Whether it’s for yourself or someone you care about, please don’t hesitate to connect with the resources listed above. Your well-being matters—and help is here when you need it.
About AgSafe:
AgSafe is the non-profit health and safety association for agricultural producers in British Columbia, providing site-specific consultation and on-site safety education, as well as online workplace safety resources and materials. AgSafe is also the COR Certifying Partner for B.C.’s agricultural and associated industries.
For more information about AgSafe, visit AgSafeBC.ca
Sign up for the monthly newsletter, The Dirt on Ag: AgSafeBC.ca/contact-us/subscribe
Matt Treble (he/him), MC, is the manager of Suicide Prevention and Life Promotion at the Canadian Mental Health Association—BC Division (CMHA BC) and facilitator for British Columbia’s AgLife Network Connector Training. The AgLife Network is a suicide prevention and life promotion initiative developed in collaboration and partnership between AgSafe and the CMHA BC. Matt has a Master of Counselling from Athabasca University and is passionate about increasing accessibility to mental health resources and support.
Featured image: Farmers talking at sunset. Photo provided by: AgSafeBC.
