As the 2022 planting season comes to a close, it is important to take some time to reflect on how we are doing! Just like we plan and care for our land, crops and livestock, taking care of ourselves is another important investment in our farms.
The global uncertainty this year has left many farmers with ever increasing costs, both on the farm and off the farm. Stressors keep building, and not just this year. Over the last few years with a pandemic, unpredictable and severe weather events and the impact of global events felt right in our home towns, we are carrying more stress than ever before.
Here are a few ideas you can do to take care of the most important part of your farm – YOU!
- Take care of the building blocks, eating, sleeping, physical activity – especially with long days spent in the tractor getting the fields ready. See your doctor regularly and take medications as prescribed. If we take care of these “little things” we can manage our stress better. Physical activity can include anything that gets your heart rate up for 10+ minutes. From there work up to 20 or 30 minutes a day. This can include jumping jacks, squats, lunges, push ups, chins etc. Make it easy and fun.
- Follow the Canadian Safer Drinking Guidelines as we know there is a higher risk for certain health conditions if consuming alcohol at higher levels. If you or someone in your life is using opioids, naloxone kits are available at most pharmacies across Grey Bruce and are free. Having some on hand can be life saving. In the case of an overdose, call emergency services and you will be protected under the Good Samaritan Act.
- Practice being mindful of the things around you. This is not something you need to make time for on top of everything else in your day. When you are doing your daily tasks, pay attention to 5 things you can see, 4 things you can hear, 3 things you can touch, 2 things you can smell and 1 thing you can taste. Adjust the numbers depending on the situation. Ex. – for supper you might have 5 things you can taste. When having your morning coffee, brushing your teeth, watching the sun rise, etc. Be mindful of the moment.
- Build things into your day and weeks that you are looking forward to, both short and long term. Connecting with friends and family, trying a new recipe, organizing a space that has needed attention, find podcasts to listen to while in the tractor. Comedy, learning about a passion you have, self development, the possibilities are endless! This will be different for everyone! Notice what it feels like when you are engaged in one of these activities.
- Take time practicing being grateful for things in your life. We find what we are looking for. Before getting out of bed in the morning, think about 3 things you are grateful for or try before going to sleep. There are apps you can download on your phone or device to prompt you to record what you are grateful for.
- Have activities that bring you a sense of pride and mastery.
- Reach out for support if you need it. There are services available online that can be accessed 24/7.
- Last but definitely not least, be kind to yourself! Give yourself permission to lower expectations, need support, delegate tasks and take a break. We are living with a lot of uncertainty and many factors are out of our control. Talk to someone about your stressors and mental health – it is ok to not be ok!!
Resources:
CMHA is open for intake and can connect you with services, Phone: 519-371-3642 is the number to call for Grey Bruce. The person answering the phone will get you connected with your closest office.
CMHA offers Drop Ins weekly through out Grey Bruce. You do not need an appointment and you can walk in and talk to someone.
Owen Sound: Monday to Friday 1 pm – 3 pm. Location: 854 2nd Ave East. (H.O.W. Grey Bruce)
Now Open: Hanover: Every Tuesday from 1:00 – 3:00 pm at The Loft 290 10th St. Hanover, ON
Meaford: Every Wednesday from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. at the Bethany Church of the Nazarene on 34 Trowbridge Street West, Meaford, Ontario.
Southampton: Every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 353 High Street, Southampton, ON
Kincardine: Every 1st & 3rd Thursday of the Month 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 865 Queen Street, Kincardine, ON
Free Drop-In Clinic services are provided in collaboration with Grey Bruce Health Services. Drop-in for referrals, resources, and/or mental health support. No appointment is necessary. No charge.
FCC Rooted in Strength Dash Board: to help monitor and seek supports when needed. https://www.fcc-fac.ca/en/community/wellness.html
In the Know – https://ontario.cmha.ca/farmersmentalhealth/farmer-wellness-initiative/
Mind Beacon is an online counseling resource that if you have a valid Ontario Health Card, you can access for free. Google MindBeacon Ontario and it will be one of the first search results.
Bounce Back. If you have a family doctor, you can refer yourself or your doctor can refer you for a coach who will assist you with a variety of self help workbooks. It is for those aged 15-19 and 19+. https://bouncebackontario.ca/.
If you do not have a family doctor, there are videos online you can watch. You will be asked to log in using an email address. They won’t spam your email and don’t contact you. Once you log in, the videos are there as well as a downloadable file of the tips in each video. https://bouncebackontario.ca/get-started-bounceback-today-videos/
You can also compete online modules for support. You need to create a profile with your own password. https://online.bouncebackonline.ca/
The Crisis Line of Grey Bruce is 1-877-470-5200 (your phone number must be a Grey Bruce number)
The Canada Suicide Prevention Service (CSPS) is 1-833-456-4566. They are also available by text from 4pm – 12am ET – just text 45645
Kids Help Phone and Wes For Youth are supports available for youth up to 25. They can also offer support to parents. kidshelpphone.ca 1-800-668-6868, Wesforyouthonline.ca