Farming is a complex and uncertain business that often combines many personal, family and business relationships.
While egg farming is often viewed as more stable than some parts of agriculture, it is not without its stresses or difficulties. It’s important to know that there are many supports and services available including financial information, health and mental health resources for those times when extra help can be critical.
If you or someone you know is under stress, or in distress, and needs help, there are people and resources available that can help.
For urgent help
If you’re in an urgent crisis, please visit your local emergency department or call 911 immediately.
Call 211 for immediate mental health help in Ontario
Available 24/7
Toll free: 1-877-330-3213 (TTY: 1-888-340-1001)
Farmers in crisis
The Farm Line is a confidential telephone emotional support line and referral service provided to farmers and farm families in Ontario. Call 1-888-451-2903 (Mon to Fri, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET)
Other Help Lines
- Kids Help Phone – 1-800-668-6868
- Telehealth Ontario – 1-866-797-0000
- Good2Talk – 1-866-925-5454
- OMAFRA Mental Health Line – 1-866-531-2600
Online Resources
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) Telepsychiatry services
- Do More Agriculture Foundation
- Farm Credit Canada’s Rooted in Strength
- Grain Farmers of Ontario’s Farmer Wellness section
- Mental Health First Aid Kit by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA)
- Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Training Program
- Ontario Federation of Agriculture’s mental health resources page
- Podcast with Dr. Andria Jones-Bitton, veterinarian, epidemiologist and mental health researcher, on “Making headway on mental health in agriculture” – Mind Your Farm Business Podcast, May 9, 2019
- Podcast with Gerry Friesen, former Canadian farmer and mental health speaker, on “A farmer’s journey through stress, depression, and anxiety” – Impact Farming Show, Jan. 9, 2019
- ThinkMentalHealth.ca
- Toolkits for Mental Health Week (May 6-12, 2019) from Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)
- Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS)
Content provided on this page by Egg Farmers of Ontario is for information purposes only. This site does not provide specific medical advice and the content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you feel that you may need medical advice, please consult a qualified health care professional. If you or someone you know needs immediate medical attention, please go to your local hospital emergency department or call 911 immediately.