This webinar in partnership with the Do More Ag Foundation will focus on education, creating awareness and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health issues for producers.

A University of Guelph national survey of farmers showed:

• 35% struggled with depression
• 45% had high stress
• 58% had varying levels of anxiety

These rates are higher than the general population. The survey also found that 40 per cent of respondents felt there was a stigma associated with reaching out for help.

Adelle Stewart, executive director at Do More Ag, will discuss some of the signs of mental illness, including the unique factors the agriculture industry experiences. She'll also talk about how to have a conversation with someone who may be having a mental health challenge, how to support others and yourself, and how to access resources.

Lesley Kelley, cofounder of Do More Ag and author of the popular High Heels and Canola website and Twitter account, will share her family's mental health stories.

Do More Ag offers a variety of workshops and programming. This will be an introductory session and you may be interested in arranging for more in-depth training afterwards.

Schedule:

• Introduction (5 minutes)

• Presentations (40 minutes)

• Q&A (10 minutes)

• Closing (5 minutes)

Resources:

If you or someone you care about needs help today, here is a list of resources available on the Do More Ag website

You can call 1-877-303-2642 (toll free within Alberta) for mental health advice.

For addiction support call 1-866-332-2322 (toll free within Alberta.)

If you are in a crisis, please call 911 immediately.