Discussion on mental health affecting farmers headlines day 3 of Agribition
Former National Hockey League (NHL) player Sheldon Kennedy took the stage at the Grain Expo at Agribition on Wednesday to tell his story about addictions and abuse.
Now a producer in Lucky Lake, Sask., Kennedy is hoping his story influences other producers to get help when they need it.
“It's about resiliency, it is about reaching out, it's about being connected and I think that will offer them a tool,” Kennedy said. “I think the more we hear this message, the more confidence we're gonna get in this space.”
Kyle Stewart, a cattle producer in Morse, Sask. said an isolated lifestyle puts producers at risk.
“There are days where you are sitting in a tractor for 12-18 hours by yourself and I mean, you can get thinking in your own head,” Stewart explained.
Stewart, who is a mental health advocate, said calling your neighbour to talk could have a positive effect on your mental health.
“You get a perspective of how maybe the problems they're dealing with that day, and sometimes they're a lot more worse off than you are and it kind of puts things in perspective for yourself,” Stewart said.
There are resources in the agriculture field that producers can utilize for their mental health including Sask AG Matters Network, a program that can provide free therapy sessions to those in need.
“We have the funding to provide six, one hour sessions for producers or family members, and no one knows about it, it is absolutely confidential,” Cynthia Beck, co director of the program said.
Even with successful programs, Kennedy said there is still work to in the country. He said that lots of times, people are told to talk about their problems but are not being helped with the right supports.
“When they do tell, I think that's something that we need to get better at as a country,” he said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.