Four times a year, RealAgristudies asks its Insights Panel the same series of questions regarding how they feel about an array of topics, from farm financial performance to capital investment timing and marketing the crop. Answers to the series of questions is compiled into the Canadian Farmer Sentiment Index, which was initially launched in September of 2022.
Each intake, we hear from hundreds of farmers (not always the same ones) and use the opportunity to ask a few follow up or expanded questions.
In July, we asked how farmers managed stress and mental wellness. We left the question open-ended, so farmers weren’t limited in ways we thought they might manage stress. The answers they gave fell into about seven categories, listed below.
During the production season, farmers said they draw on these seven things to help manage their stress:
1. Faith and Spirituality: Some individuals rely on their religious beliefs, such as a Christian faith, to stay grounded
2. Positive Thinking: Maintaining a positive mindset and focusing on optimism was frequently mentioned
3. Social Support: Talking with supportive and positive people helps some individuals manage stress
4. Work Projects: Engaging in improvement projects on the farm can be a productive way to cope with stress
5. Material Comforts: Upgrading equipment (e.g., buying an air-conditioned tractor) or retiring are seen as ways to alleviate stress
6. Substance Use: Some respondents mention alcohol consumption or drinking beer as part of their coping strategy
7. Perspective: Realizing that challenges are part of a cycle and trying not to overreact to temporary difficulties helps others manage their mental well-being.
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