In rural communities, where farming is not just a livelihood but a way of life, mental health often remains a silent struggle. For many farmers, the stress of unpredictable weather, financial pressure, and isolation is compounded by a deeply ingrained culture that values self-reliance and hard work over seeking help. However, one former-farmer-turned-mental-health-advocate is working to break this silence and offer hope to those facing similar battles.
Gerry Friesen, a former farmer and author, is on a mission to change the conversation around mental health in agriculture. He calls himself the 'recovering farmer,' a term that reflects his journey through the challenges of mental illness and his dedication to supporting others facing similar struggles. Through his personal story and his newly published book, 'The Recovering Farmer,' Friesen is providing an honest and vulnerable account of his mental health struggles, offering both a cautionary tale and a message of hope.
"I started talking publicly about my journey with mental illness 14 years ago, and it was a freeing, empowering experience for me, but what surprised me most was how much it helped others. People came to me, shared their stories, and we learned from each other."
Friesen's journey began when he experienced his first anxiety attack, which he initially thought was a heart problem. After visiting his doctor, he was diagnosed with anxiety and depression, conditions that quickly overwhelmed him. His first experience with medication was difficult, leading to a period of intense suffering before he began to see improvement. Despite this progress, life events soon pushed him back into a cycle of mental health struggles. It was during this time that Friesen found the support and understanding he needed through Manitoba's Farm and Rural Stress Line, which led him to further study mental health and pursue a deeper understanding of his challenges.
"Farmers are under an immense amount of stress, and a lot of it comes from things completely out of their control, like weather, markets, or government policies. It's an incredibly unpredictable life, and that creates an overwhelming amount of anxiety. But what I've learned is that talking about it and reaching out for help that is the first step toward healing."
Friesen's work goes beyond just personal advocacy. He is a co-founder of the Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program, which offers resources for farmers, their families, and farm employees to deal with stress and mental health challenges. The program provides counselling, support services, and practical tools for managing the mental health risks that come with the demanding nature of farming.
One of the key issues that Friesen addresses in his book is the stigma around mental health in the farming community. Many farmers, particularly older generations, have long been conditioned to prioritize work over everything else, including their own well-being. This culture can make it difficult for individuals to admit they need help, leading to an environment where stress and anxiety go unchecked until they manifest into more serious issues.
"Farmers are wired differently. They are strong, self-sufficient people, and asking for help doesn't come easily. But the truth is, you can't take care of your crops if you don't take care of yourself first."
Carol Kruck, a manager at BDO and advocate for mental health awareness in agriculture, echoed Friesen's sentiments.
"I grew up in a rural community, and my dad and brother are farmers, and reading Gerry's book really resonated with me. Mental health is still something that isn't talked about enough, especially in farming communities. Gerry is breaking that barrier, and his book offers hope to those who might feel like they’re alone in their struggles."
Farming, as Kruck pointed out, is not just a job but a way of life, with work intertwined with family and personal identity. The constant pressure to perform, whether due to weather, finances, or the endless demands of farm work, can take a heavy toll on mental well-being. This is something Darrell Wiebe, a young farmer from Beaver Creek Farms LTD, understands all too well. As a farmer with a young family and several employees, Wiebe knows how easy it is for the stresses of the job to build up and affect mental health.
"As a young farmer, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the demands of the job. We work long hours, and it's hard to take time for yourself. But it's crucial to recognize when you need to step back and prioritize your mental health. It's a balance that's hard to find, but it's necessary for the well-being of everyone on the farm."
Friesen's message is clear: farmers are not alone. Mental health struggles are common, and there is help available. The key is to reach out and start the conversation, whether with a loved one, a counselor, or through a community support program like the Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program.
For Friesen, the hope is that by sharing his own story, he can inspire others to do the same and begin their journey toward mental wellness. His book and his advocacy show that there is life after mental illness, and that it's okay to ask for help when things feel overwhelming.
"The three things I hope people take away from my book is to know that you're not alone in this. It's more than okay to reach out for help, and there is always hope."
To get a copy of Gerry's book go to www.gerryfriesen.com and if you are a farmer struggling with mental health and looking for resources visit www.manitobafarmerwellness.ca