Ontario Grain Farmer August 2021

life to ask if they have noticed shifts or changes is an appropriate action. “If you have noticed the signs, there is a good chance that others have too,” says Chomos. “If you can confide that you’re uncomfortable in approaching the individual, maybe someone else will.” EDUCATING YOURSELF Above all, one of the best ways to help yourself and those in your life with mental health is to learn more about it. “Knowledge is power and we have the power to increase our own knowledge of topics such as farmer state of mind, the impact of COVID-19 in agriculture, and what organizations and resources are available,” says Chomos. “The more we are able to educate ourselves, the more able we are to connect with and support people who may be struggling.” There are many ways to learn about mental health, including reading books or articles or attending virtual workshops. Some educational websites include: ● Canadian Mental Health Association National www.cmha.ca ● The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) www.camh.ca ● Mental Health Commission of Canada www.mentalhealthcommission.ca Lists of support resources in agriculture can be found at www.gfo.ca/farmerwellness and www.domore.ag/resources. l ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER 33 AUGUST 2021 Grain Farmers of Ontario is committed to farmer wellness. To be a leader in climate policy and food production, Canada must #Choose4R 4R Nutrient Stewardship is a science-based approach to reducing agricultural emissions without compromising farmers’ competitiveness. By choosing 4R Canadian farmers have become some of the most sustainable growers in the world. Learn more at fertilizercanada.ca/stewardship