CALEB NICKERSON
March 6, 2019
Farming is consistently ranked as a more dangerous profession than most and it’s not hard to see why. Heavy machinery, unruly animals and long hours can all pose serious health risks that the average citizen will never encounter in their nine to five.
Since farmers are typically self-employed, they also have to deal with the added stress of enormous investments of capital, the uncertainty of global markets and rising costs of doing business.
Stress is inevitable, but how people react to it varies wildly depending on their physical health, past experiences and the supports they have around them. Too often, the stressors are completely out of our control. Tariffs, taxes and other external forces are beyond the control of Joe or Jane Farmer but can make or break their livelihood.
It can be difficult to accept that the whims of people in suits have such an impact on a business that’s been passed down through several generations. You can’t just submit your two-week notice and walk away from the family farm when the going gets tough.
Take an inventory of which stressors are within your control and which ones you just have to accept. Find a support system where you can be open about the state of your health, both mental and physical.
The cold, dark, isolating months of winter can be a cause of stress themselves, and prime breeding ground for issues like depression, alcohol abuse and worse. Don’t hesitate to reach out to friends and neighbours that might be having a hard time this time of year. Mental and physical suffering alters how people perceive the world around them, and just knowing that someone has their back can puncture this skewed version of reality.
If you’ve chosen farming as your career, you have to absolutely love the lifestyle. When stress piles up, this passion can turn to something far more unpleasant in a heartbeat.
This year’s Canadian Ag Safety Week runs from March 10 to 16, but it’s just a reminder that caring for the farmers you know and love is a year-round endeavour.
For more information visit agsafetyweek.ca.
