Written by Brigitte Riedel
In 2023, Salem, Wisconsin farmer Mike Daniels decided it was time to make some changes. My stress levels from my never-ending to-do list were so high that I couldn’t spend time with his son during the day and always felt exhausted. His first step was to take time to re-evaluate the farm and related businesses.
“Why do we in agriculture feel like we have to be strict and never let anyone know we need help? “Why are we looked at like the underdogs when we’re just trying to take a day to see if things are okay?” he asks.
A few years ago, fellow farmer Sean Stanford of McGrath, Alberta, Canada, found himself in a similar situation. He lives a life of constant stress, worrying about the weather and the state of his crops. Stanford decided he didn’t want his anxiety to control his daily life and found help through therapy and medication. He needed time away from the farm for treatment, which was a valuable step for his health.
Along the way, Stanford realized that his experience could be helpful to others. Now, he takes the time to speak with farmers one-on-one on the phone, offer advice to farmers, and visit with policy makers to understand what farmers are facing and what services are available. We help them understand what they need.
“I take my mental health seriously and want to impress on others that help is available,” Stanford says.
Don’t ignore chronic stress
Lauren Van Ewyk, co-founder of the National Farmer Mental Health Alliance, said many farmers experience chronic stress because one pressure leads to another and overlaps.
“Our brains become hyper-sensitive and always aware that a crisis may be brewing,” she explains. “In such a state, our brains are unable to enjoy the moments we have built for ourselves and our families.”
Van Ewyk encourages farmers to step away from the farm long enough to look at their future with humility.
“Self-care isn’t about being selfish or self-centered. Rather, it’s an opportunity to make sure your tank is full so you can take care of others when they need to depend on you.” ” says Van Ewyk. “Take a moment each day to decide how you will consciously practice self-care and who will help you achieve those goals.”
