You are the farm’s most valuable resource!
The OFA strongly supports balanced mental health and wellness for farmers and their families. You are the farm’s most valuable resource. Even when the farm’s demands are high, its important to put yourself at the top of the priority list. It’s Okay to Not be Okay!
If you or someone you know is in distress and needs help, there are people and resources available that can help. Please note the following resources were compiled from various services, organizations and associations. OFA does not own the rights to any of the resources or support information listed below.
For Immediate Support:
Farmer Wellness Initiative – 1-866-267-6255
Access free counselling for farmers and their families 24/7/365 in English and French at 1-866-267-6255.
Farmer Wellness Program
Access free counselling for farmers and their families in Eastern Ontario counties of: Hastings, Lennox & Addington, Lanark, Northumberland and Prince Edward County.
National Farmer Mental Health Alliance
Offering mental health services and training tailored to farmers, farm families and veterinarians.
Connex Ontario – 1-866-531-2600
Provides mental health, addiction, and problem gambling navigation along with information services 24/7 at 1-866-531-2600 or text 47247. Chat online here.
211 Ontario – 211
Access free helpline that easily connects people to the social services, programs and community supports at 211 any time of any day. Offers live chat from their website here and the ability to email.
988 Suicide Crisis Helpline – 988
A safe place to be heard, 24 hours a day, everyday of the year. Find out more about 9-8-8: Crisis Suicide Helpline here.
Distress & Crisis Ontario
Distress Centres are available across Ontario offering confidential, private support for anyone who is in distress or crisis. You will be connected to a distress centre nearest you. Live Chat available here.
Kids Help Phone – 1-800-668-6868
Provides counselling and information for ages 5-20 at 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868. Live chat here.
Even when the demands on the farm are high, it’s important to include yourself on the priority list. Investing in your own mental wellness ensures you show up as the best version of yourself for the farm, the business, and your loved ones.
Wellness Resources / Toolkits
Click the tabs below to view additional resources, infographics & toolkits.
OFA's Wellness Toolkit
University of Guelph Infographics
Farmer Mental Health in Canada - English and French
Supports for Farmer Mental Health - English
For more info you can see the Research from the University of Guelph
Agriculture Wellness Ontario Infographics
Farmer Wellness Initiative – English and French
In the Know Workshops – English and French
Guardian Network – English and French
Managing Wellness on the Farm – English and French
Ontario Federation of Agriculture Infographics
FEDtalks Making Wellness Matter - English
You can also watch our FEDtalks short video on YouTube
Farmer Mental Health Infographic - English
Additional Online Resources
Agriculture Wellness Ontario – mental health support and education.
In the Know: Free workshop to learn about stress, depression, anxiety, substance use, and how to start a conversation about mental well-being.
The Guardian Network: Volunteer in your community. Learn strategies and tools to identify the signs of mental distress. Connect individuals with appropriate mental health and crisis resources.
Do More Agriculture Foundation –champions for the mental wellbeing of those in the Canadian agriculture
AgTalk - A peer-to-peer support platform for those who work, live and play in agriculture. Connect, share, and receive support in a safe, anonymous space monitored 24/7 by clinicians.
Canadian Agriculture Safety Association (CASA) Mental Health Hub – information and resources for Canadian Farmers. Take a farm stress inventory and make a management plan.
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs - list of resources to help farmers and their families mitigate stress.
Canadian Centre for Agricultural Wellbeing – Supports Canadian agricultural well-being with grassroots evidence based programming.
Bell Let’s Talk – connecting to mental health supports.
Canadian Mental Health Association - promotes mental health and supports people recovering from mental illness.
Farm Credit Canada – Rooted in Resilience.
FCC AgriSuccess Magazine - Dedicated to helping Canadian producers advance their farm management practices. Learn from producers and industry experts and get practical advice, real-life examples and innovative ideas to grow your business. - French Version
HayAreYouOk - A great resource website that has a self assessment on how you are doing?