Photo from the Mental Wellness Matters Society Facebook page.

By Curtis Galbraith

Agriculture

Grande Prairie group raising awareness during Ag. Mental Health Month

Jun 23, 2021 | 9:57 AM

GRANDE PRAIRIE, Alta. – June is Ag Mental Health Month.

Mental Wellness Matters Society executive director Christine Fehr says even before the COVID-19 pandemic, farmers had the highest suicide rate.

“And then when COVID happened, the numbers skyrocketed, just being in isolation and not enough resources and tools around it, we decided to put more awareness around for the farmers and the communities just to acknowledge it and get some more resources out there to help them and support.”

She adds producers being isolated, plus the culture around farming, means a greater need for mental health services for farmers and ranchers.

“Being on the farm, and for men especially, they’re raised to be big and strong and not deal with those types of emotions. I think for farmers for sure, it’s been an issue but for men and especially now with isolation, that’s been a big issue for farmers and the agriculture community for years.”

Responsive measures

Some Sask. farmers to get winter elk hunting permits next year to protect land

Mar 12, 2026

Buy Now, Pay Later!

Spring 2026 Early Buy Program

Mar 09, 2026

SARM Convention

Sask RMs gather to address come concerns

Mar 06, 2026

Fehr says mental health is no different than physical health.

“We go to the gym and we pump weights, we work out and we’re physically working our muscles, right? It’s no different than our mental health. Once we work on our emotions and our thoughts and our mind, that’s increasing our mental health, right? So, just getting people to understand they’re the same but they’re different. Just because we can’t physically see our brain and our mind, doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.”

Fehr says once it is understood and accepted that everyone has mental health, the more likely it is people will reach out for help.

The Society has been having online wellness seminars every Monday this month. There is one starting at 10 a.m. on Monday, June 21, with the final one set to go on Monday, June 28, also at 10 a.m. Anyone interested can check the Mental Wellness Matters Society Facebook page for details on how to register.