Province encourages farmers to use mental health supports

Drought conditions have added a new level to farm stress this year

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Published: August 12, 2021

Farmers are encouraged to reach out for mental health support as drought conditions wear on.

“Mental health is something we can never take serious enough. We want to make sure we have those support services for any help that they might need,” provincial Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Ralph Eichler told the Co-operator.

Intense stress caused by drought conditions has been hard on marriages and families, Eichler added.

In an Aug. 5 news release, the province reminded producers of free support services available:

  • Manitoba Farm, Rural & Northern Support Services is a free, call-in service that provides telephone counselling geared specifically to farmers and those living in rural communities: phone 1-866-367-3276 or visit supportline.ca.
  • Klinic Crisis Line: phone 204-786-8686 or 1-888-322-3019.
  • Manitoba Addictions Helpline: 1-855-662-6605.

About the author

Geralyn Wichers

Geralyn Wichers

Digital editor, news and national affairs

Geralyn graduated from Red River College's Creative Communications program in 2019 and launched directly into agricultural journalism with the Manitoba Co-operator. Her enterprising, colourful reporting has earned awards such as the Dick Beamish award for current affairs feature writing and a Canadian Online Publishing Award, and in 2023 she represented Canada in the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists' Alltech Young Leaders Program. Geralyn is a co-host of the Armchair Anabaptist podcast, cat lover, and thrift store connoisseur.

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