Have you ever had that gut feeling—when you notice a neighbour, friend, or family member just doesn’t seem themselves? Maybe they’ve become quieter, more withdrawn, or stopped showing up to community or family events. You think something might be off, but you don’t want to pry. Here’s the thing: if your instincts are telling you to check in, let this Mental Illness Awareness Week be a nudge that now is the time to ask. Even if it feels uncomfortable or intrusive, asking how someone is doing could be the lifeline they need. Mental illness isn’t something that should be kept private, especially in a community that’s as interconnected as farming.
The Importance in Recognizing the Silent Struggle
For many in our farming community, mental illness can be a hidden struggle. Farmers are used to working through physical and emotional challenges, often alone, and asking for help doesn’t come easily. There’s a perception that if you can still get up in the morning and do your work, everything must be fine. But just like with a physical injury, mental illness doesn’t always show itself clearly.
Farmers face stressors that people in other industries might never experience. From unpredictable weather to financial pressures and the weight of generational expectations, these daily burdens add up. Mental illness has a way of creeping in without warning—one bad season, a sudden storm, or even months of quiet worry about the future can push someone into a dark place. Often, we don’t realize how far we’ve slipped until the idea of asking for help feels impossible.
Breaking the Stigma in Farming
One of the reasons mental illness remains such a challenge in rural areas is the stigma attached to it. Unlike a broken bone or a bout of pneumonia, you can’t always see someone suffering from anxiety, depression, or burnout. This stigma makes it seem like mental illness should be easy to spot, but that’s not the case. Some people suffering are managing in silence, going through their daily routines but feeling overwhelmed inside. Others may not even realize that what they’re feeling—whether it’s irritability, exhaustion, or hopelessness—is actually a sign of mental illness.
There’s also the idea that mental illness is a weakness. In a profession where strength and grit are part of your identity, admitting you’re struggling with mental health can feel like admitting defeat. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Mental illness doesn’t reflect weakness—it’s a condition that requires just as much attention and care as any physical ailment.
Trust Your Gut – Reaching Out Makes a Difference
If you sense something isn’t quite right with someone, trust your gut. Don’t wait for obvious signs to show up before you ask how they’re doing. Maybe they seem more isolated than usual, are snapping at family or coworkers, or just aren’t acting like themselves. It may feel uncomfortable to ask, but that simple conversation can make all the difference.
For the person struggling, the hardest step can be admitting they need help, so your asking may be the nudge they need to open up. Even a casual, “How are you really doing?” could open the door to an important conversation. And if you’re the one feeling overwhelmed, try to lean on those around you. There’s strength in admitting that you’re not okay and that you need a little help to get through it.
We’re All in This Together
Farming is a community, and part of being in that community is looking out for one another. Mental Illness Awareness Week is a reminder that mental health isn’t just a personal issue—it’s something we all need to pay attention to. Farmers are often reluctant to burden others with their problems, but mental illness isn’t something to handle alone. Whether you’re a farmer yourself or someone who cares about one, know, remember: it’s not intrusive to ask how someone is doing. It’s an act of care, and it could be the lifeline they need.
So, as you work through your day, take a moment to check in with those around you. If you see someone struggling, or if you’ve been struggling yourself, remember: you don’t have to face it alone. Asking for help—or offering help—is not only okay, it’s necessary.
Farm Family Support Line
As a reminder, the Farm Family Support Line is available 24/7/365: 1-833-754-3692
The Farm Family Support Line is managed as an Employee Assistance Program by Telus Health. Farmers, their families, and employees have unlimited access to expert services, including counselling, at no cost. Services are supported by Farm Safety Nova Scotia.
