Climate change can impact people’s mental health in many ways. Natural disasters such as droughts and forest fires can cause displacement, economic stress, and impacts to livelihood. But climate change can also fuel feelings of uncertainty, guilt, despair and anxiety. Recently, the Oxford English Dictionary included a new word: eco-anxiety, which refers to people’s anxiety in regards to climate change. The American Psychological Association describes eco-anxiety as “the chronic fear of environmental cataclysm that comes from observing the seemingly irrevocable impact of climate change and the associated concern for one’s future and that of next generations.”

Those in farming and rural communities may be more directly impacted by climate change, as their livelihood often depends on environmental factors. The uncertainty and sense of impending change can cause many people significant distress, including a sense of grief and loss as their way of life becomes more precarious.

To understand more about how mental health and climate change are linked, we interviewed Sage Palmedo, a scientist and artist currently pursuing an MD at Dartmouth Medical School while starting a regenerative farm in her rural community.

Can you tell me more about your regenerative farm in Claremont and what prompted you and your partner to begin this endeavor?

We are just starting the process of regenerating a 12-acre piece of property in Claremont, New Hampshire. We are new to rural living—both of us are from more suburban communities, but we share a sense of connection to the Earth and are excited to learn about the local history and culture from our new neighbors.

When we first met, my partner told me he wanted to own a farm someday. At the time, I was the manager of our college’s student-run garden, where we grew vegetables, herbs, and fruits for the college dining hall. I was also studying ecology, which is essentially the interconnected nature of life. I was learning how intelligent the Earth is — plants, animals, fungi, and even soil microbes are all listening to each other at any given moment, coordinating their rhythm of life with one another and exchanging nutrients in a dynamic balance. As I learned more about growing food, I was gaining perspective on the cycles of life and death, and how my actions were connected to the fabric of the planet. I learned about industrial farming and its damaging effects on our ecosystems and our health.

Studying at Princeton showed me how our country was founded upon a distinction between people who grew food and people who had food grown for them. It also showed me how this distinction has manifested itself across the globe and impacted humanity’s relationship with Earth. I started to understand how the evolution of our species into an industrial society—with the powerful extracting from the disempowered—has led to pollution of our Earth, the pollution of our homes, and the pollution of our bodies. In a way, this society has also polluted our minds, by convincing us we don’t have the power to change it.

While my partner and I embark on our farming journey, our goal is to transition into a way of life that feels more connected with the Earth. We recognize that, although this land has a complex colonial history, we are all native to Earth and can adopt a sense of responsibility to heal the disconnect between our species and the rest of the planet. Our first step will be to grow as much of our own food as we can, prioritizing fruit trees, nut trees and other perennials. We are inspired by permaculture as well as Indigenous philosophies of farming—but are still in the early stages of understanding how to homestead and farm, since neither of us came from self-sufficient families. Our ultimate goal will be to share the food we grow with our community, share our philosophy of love, and share what we learn about self-sufficiency, health, and sustainability.

Many people experience distress around climate change, especially those in rural communities whose livelihoods are so closely linked to the environment. What are some strategies for working through these anxieties, and what are some actions that we can take as a community?

I think the first step in addressing our emotions around climate change is to gain an awareness of the causes of climate change. The layers of society that create stress within your body—hierarchies, lack of empathy, corporate profit over people—are the same layers that are responsible for the climate collapse we’re experiencing. Societal structures have disconnected us from Earth’s natural cycles over the past several generations. Instead of thinking about climate change as the source of our anxiety, we can start to understand climate change and psychological stress as interrelated processes. With this perspective, we can start to combine the act of healing ourselves and healing the Earth into one journey—reclaiming our power to heal from a society that profits from the Earth’s collective disempowerment.

One helpful affirmation that we can continue to emphasize to ourselves, and to one another, is that we are not alone. You are not alone. All of life on Earth is in this together—interconnected, interdependent, and alive. You are part of the fabric of Earth, participating in a flow of energy that encircles the planet. Allow yourself to recognize your power, and connect to the present moment. Reality only exists in the present—in the “now”—and everything else is just a story we tell. You have the power to create the story of life on Earth that arises from this moment onwards.

An essential principle of health that applies internally as well as externally is the principle of connection. We can heal from Earth’s collective imbalance simply by listening more deeply to our planet and to one another. Where in your community can you help create more feelings of connectedness toward each other and toward the Earth? This could take an infinite number of forms: inviting non-judgmental conversations, sharing your feelings and perspectives with others, offering to help one another grow communal food or trade offerings… Even if you don’t see things the same way as your neighbor, what do you share? Where can we strengthen our bonds with each other in the support of an interconnected planet? The more connected we become, the more our bodies, minds, and planet will benefit. The first step is to get the conversation going, but there is no one-size-fits-all solution—like our landscapes, our communities are all unique. And you have a unique gift to share with the world in this healing process!

You mentioned you’re interested in cultivating mind-body health and resilience. As a medical student and someone involved in farming, can you talk about how these two worlds intersect and inspire you to cultivate community wellbeing?

While the medical system has traditionally treated the mind and body separately, there is a growing body of evidence indicating that the mind and body are profoundly interconnected.

Human societies used to orient around our relationship with the Earth, growing food from the Earth and preparing communal meals. These behaviors—time spent interacting with the Earth, in community—nourished the mind and body at the same time.

In contrast, our global society of today is oriented towards profit. Compared to other regions of the world, North American agriculture consists of larger farms which place more emphasis on machines, chemicals, and genetically modified crops. Big agricultural companies have actively shaped governmental food policy, and as a result, our farmers must meet the demands of the industrial food system to stay financially secure. Driving across the landscape, it is easy to find farms where one single plant species is grown over a large area, year after year—genetically modified corn and soy among the most common. This industrial style of farming undermines the health of the Earth, degrading the microbiome of the soil. It also is the main style of farming used in the production of processed foods; and although a large portion of the foods we consume are processed and packaged, these foods have been shown to disrupt the microbiome within our bodies, undermining our mental and physical health. Industrial farming is a feedback system where, as the health of our soils and our bodies degrades, corporations can profit off of chemicals and engineered seeds that are marketed to fix our problems.

Many healthcare providers have started to recognize the role of nutrition in disease prevention, using the phrase “food is medicine.” Despite this understanding, medical doctors are trained to treat metabolic disease at the individual level, often with medications or surgery. Doctors are not trained to address the root cause of metabolic disease—the industrial food system. Conventional farming treats the land like a machine, and similarly, conventional medicine treats the body like a machine.

Regenerative farming entails working towards a food system that cultivates health on the planet and within our bodies. Despite our mechanical culture, ecological science teaches us that in reality, the land is alive, exchanging information with our bodies at all times. We would like to honor and heal the Earth in the farming process, using the inherent intelligence of nature to nurture the natural intelligence within us. Stress-reduction is an intergenerational process, so the cultural shift towards a healthier society will be gradual. We hope that by cultivating a loving, egalitarian relationship with the Earth beneath our feet, we can play one small role in the collective effort to build an economy centered around human and planetary wellbeing.

The Following Is From An Interview With Robyn Priest

Being supported by others who have shared your struggles and know what it’s like is the foundation of peer support. For those living in rural and agricultural communities, the Stigma Free Society has partnered with Robyn Priest LIVE YOUR TRUTH to offer peer support worker training funded by Pacific Blue Cross. With this training, individuals in rural communities can start their own support groups.

Robyn Priest kindly spoke to us about the benefits and values of peer support work.

What is mental health peer support and how did you become involved in this world?

For me mental health peer support is about people who have experienced mental health challenges supporting others who are dealing with mental health challenges. It gives a sense of being “normal”, not someone weird; that I am not alone, not the only person experiencing this. I was diagnosed over 25 years ago and there was a job advertised at something called the Wellington Mental Health Consumers Union In New Zealand. I was like, that sounds pretty cool, everyone has their own mental health challenges. It started there and I just kept getting more and more involved. It made sense to me that people who were dealing with their own stuff could chat about it and be real with others. It’s been a great ride, and I have worked in 10 different countries talking about peer support.

Can you talk about what makes peer support unique compared to something like therapy or other mental health resources?

It’s about camaraderie, having someone to talk to who “gets it”. Peer support comes without an agenda. I am NOT trying to get people to do anything. It’s about supporting people to explore what they want in life. I can share my own experiences and how I got through difficult times, something that’s not always encouraged or allowed in other mental health professions. It’s not my job to fix, save or solve anyone’s issues. Peer supporters are there for the person they are supporting, while sometimes the rest of a team may be trying to get the person to take their meds or achieve a certain recovery goal that has been decided for the person. Peer supporters support the individual to explore what they want.

Peer support lacks hierarchies and expert/ patient roles. What is the value of being supported by a peer who has gone through a similar experience, compared to the support received by a clinician?

Often, we are told we don’t have the education, but we do, it’s just a different education. Our practicum may have been being homeless, or in a psych ward, surviving while using substances, etc. Those are real life experiences and skills that we can share. Someone once described peer support as describing the colour blue to someone who had sight and lost it, versus describing the colour blue to someone who never had sight (the clinician). I know that many people working in the mental health field have their own experiences, but it’s about what their job description says they are required to do. As I said earlier, peer support helps people feel less alone, like someone gets them. That they have an ally. If we can support the system to allow peer support to stay true to the Mental Health Commission of Canada peer support values and allow other clinicians to do their job – it’s a win-win for the individual being supported.

Peer support can benefit both the one being supported and the peer support worker. Can you talk more about this?

Peer support, for me, is about mutuality. I am not better than, or more “recovered” than anyone else. I am working on myself everyday and sometimes when we both share experiences, I learn other coping skills/strategies from that person. It’s not about me as a peer supporter requesting support, or sharing all my issues, it’s just in conversation that things transpire. I am there to support that person but we both learn and grow from any discussion.

Can you talk about some of the values within peer support and why they are relevant to mental wellness?

The values of peer support are about being human as far as I am concerned. The MHCC values of peer support are:

• Hope and Recovery
• Self-Determination
• Empathetic and Equal Relationships
• Dignity, respect, and social inclusion
• Integrity, authenticity, and trust
• Health and wellness
• Lifelong learning and personal growth

For me the values are about being a “real” person at all times, doing what I say I will do, supporting people to choose what they want in life, not thinking I know what others should do, treating everyone with respect, thinking about people as “whole” people not just about their mental health (my mental health is only a part of me, not all of me) and always being willing to learn and grow. I want that for all humanity.

What does strengths-based support mean to you?

We are so often told what we can’t do, or shouldn’t do because it’s too stressful, but strengths-based support says: look at how strong you are, how resilient, how resourceful. Someone may be labelled manipulative, but if I come from a strengths-based approach, that person is a great negotiator (getting their needs met), creative and strategic in how they go about things. Those are great skills to have. Imagine being told you are manipulative versus being told you have great negotiation skills, are creative and strategic. Then I ask, how can you use those amazing skills in life to have the life you want? It’s about supporting people to see themselves not as a victim, or at the mercy of their mental health challenge, but that they can go after what they want in life. We can all go after things in life, we don’t always get what we want but that’s life for everyone – not just people with mental health challenges. I want to support people to dream big and at least try to go after what they want, to not be shut down by people saying it’s unrealistic or not appropriate. Nobody can determine that but the person themselves.

For more information and to register for peer support training, please go HERE or email info@stigmafreesociety.com. The next training session will be happening in June.
Thanks to a generous grant from Pacific Blue Cross BC, this training is free of cost, with a $50 deposit required to secure your spot. Your deposit will be refunded once you attend the session, unless you choose to donate the $50 to the Stigma-Free Society. Donations are always welcome! Deposits for those who do not participate cannot be refunded.

Spots fill up quickly, so register as soon as possible. Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to build skills for cultivating empathy and understanding in your local community

Stigma has a terrible impact on mental illness. Stigma is based on stereotypes and assumptions about our differences. Characteristics such as race, gender identity, a disability, mental illness or any other noticeable difference can be directly targeted, and often unintentionally. Stigma can affect all people, but especially people from marginalized groups.

Stigma can lead to discrimination such as physical and mental abuse, including neglect, and can have a negative enough impact to even be life-threatening. Discrimination can either compound mental illness or be a factor that contributes to the development of mental illness in an otherwise healthy person.

Social stigma is a harmful, inaccurate, or unfair judgment about members of society who often have a noticeable or perceived difference. People follow stereotypes which can cause them to incorrectly assume that others with differences will typically act inappropriately, fail in their social contribution, and be unworthy of care and positive regard.

Self stigma is another form of stigma that can be very harmful. Self-stigma is a negative view of oneself where one may unfairly judge one’s own characteristics and behaviour. In many cases, self-stigma can arise from the impact of social stigma and can also fuel social stigma, as the presentation of self-stigma, such as low self-esteem, can confirm stereotypical views.

Groups in society have certain views about how we are expected to act or look, and how people with differences should be treated. Stigma may cause others to blame or reject another person because of concerns or differences that are caused by biological, psychological, social, or environmental factors. Through every-day social-learning, people in society learn and normalize stigma towards others. This happens when those around us and the media we consume share stereotypes that may be inaccurate and cause us to make false assumptions about people.

Discrimination based on stigma in daily life can lead to anything from mild rudeness to bullying, serious verbal abuse and physical assault. Resources can be cut off because of stigma. This unfair treatment cannot be justified, yet sometimes the dynamics and unfair judgments of a social network and society enable it. A person and their behaviour can be seen through the filter of an assumed problem within their differences, rather than identifying the person’s actual character or attributes. For example, a person may be treated as poorly, even bullied or ostracized, just because they talk a certain way or have a certain look about them. When their “different” behaviour, that would otherwise be acceptable or welcomed, is attached to a label or stereotype about their character, they can be treated as dangerous or incompetent just because of the stigma of that label. This can have a huge impact on a person’s day-to-day functioning. Stigma can limit a person’s chance of success in socializing, seeking employment and other opportunities.

The stress from stigma has a negative impact on most people and can worsen or be a factor in developing mental health challenges. Those with a diagnosis of mental illness, or experiencing symptoms, may already deal with the extra stress of stigma because they are a visible and targeted group. People with or without a diagnosis can be more predisposed to mental illness through factors like genetics, biology, history and environment. Stigma, such as bullying, is much more likely to trigger mental health challenges when a person is predisposed to mental illness.

Stigma can make a good person seem ‘bad’. The limited view of society and the public eye can often miss the true nature of peoples’ individual lives. Every day, so many well-meaning people are bullied or discriminated against because of a stigmatizing judgment about them. People in society put up barriers because of their social expectations around stereotypes. This can make many tasks in life instantly harder for people with differences, even getting groceries or going to the beach. At every turn stigma can wear a person down causing major challenges in life.
This can cause a person to feel reduced hope, lower self-esteem, difficulties with social relationships and more difficulties at work and school. Stigma can be thoroughly draining.

Peoples’ stigmatized behaviour can be viewed as unacceptable, even though their contribution to society is fair to excellent. Regardless of their contribution, everyone has the right to dignity and respect. With an understanding and education about the person’s history, condition and relevant social or environmental factors in a situation, this stigma can often be averted, and a person and their behaviour can become accepted.

The combination of social stigma and self-stigma can cause people to believe insults and degrading language that they hear from others. The stress of bullying and unfair practices with stigma can cause serious harm, especially to those most vulnerable. If people in general could learn more about mental illness, stigma, and mental health, and open lines of communication before stigma becomes a problem, then those living with mental health challenges will undoubtedly experience greater acceptance and wellbeing.

The farming industry is particularly vulnerable to financial fluctuations and uncertainty, which can be a major contributor to stress and mental health challenges for farming families. The Stigma-Free Society spoke with Gerry Friesen, also known as the “Recovering Farmer”, about managing the financial stress involved in farming. Gerry is a stress expert and public speaker who gives workshops and presentations related to stress management in the farming community.

Can you share your experience in the farming community and in helping people manage the financial stress involved in farming?

Since 2000 I have been involved in farm debt mediation. Over that time, I’ve helped over 500 farm families dealing with financial stress. Although many of these mediations involved creditors, most also involved conversations around the kitchen table. Through those conversations, farmers invariably spoke about the overwhelming stress they were experiencing.

During that time, I was also farming and experiencing high stress. As a result of the various stressors involved in farming, I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression.

What are some of the financial challenges involved in farming, and how can this impact farmer’s mental health? Has this changed over the years?

Farmers are in a unique situation of having to invest significant financial resources without knowing what the returns will be. Factors like weather events, trade actions, government policies, consumer demands, disease issues and others impact the bottom line. Added to this are ever increasing decisions that farmers have to make, and each decision influences the next. We are only one decision away from a completely different outcome, and the stakes are high.

As farming has changed over the years, research has shown that incidents of depression and anxiety have increased. A survey done in 2016 by the University of Guelph revealed that out of 1100 farmers surveyed, 45% of respondents had high stress, and 58% met the criteria for an anxiety disorder.

In your experience, how does stress impact farm business management?

Despite the stress, the business must move forward. There will continue to be risks and opportunities. But when we are unable to handle the stress, we run the risk of the following:

1. Capitulation — just selling at whatever price is available today because you just can’t stand worrying about it anymore.
2. Denial — refusing to accept that some unpalatable prices or government policies will just have to be swallowed.
3. Obsession — not being able to stop thinking about the crops in the field or wet in the bin — what they could have been worth and what they might end up being sold for.
4. Paralysis — being unable to make any choices because every decision seems too fraught with danger.
5. Desperation — looking for a magic bullet, secret weapon or miracle to resolve the problem.
6. Paranoia — looking for evil forces or conspiracies to explain unfortunate situations.

Farm Management Canada did a study called Healthy Minds-Healthy Farms that explores the relationship between mental health and farm business management. They define stress as “the personal, emotional response to external factors, or stressors.” Typically, when we make choices, we think about the pros and cons and reflect on past experiences. But stress has the ability to cloud a logical approach. When stress overwhelms us, we run the risk of making less rational decisions. In times of stress, we are more likely to overlook negative information that may clarify our decisions and would rather focus on a positive outcome from the past. Research has shown that rational, emotionally stable and conscientious farmers are more likely to have a profitable business.

What sort of tools can you share with farmers for managing financial stress and uncertainty, and for coping with the mental health challenges this can lead to or exacerbate?

It’s always advisable to remain aware of what your financial situation is. I know from experience that checking your bank balance can be difficult when things are tight. But I’ve also learned that it’s easier to deal with a known rather than the unknown. When we are unaware, we have a tendency to worry, which is simply our mind dealing with something we don’t want to have happen.

And as we do with equipment breakdowns or disease issues, it can be helpful to reach out for help. A farm business management specialist can help you compile your financial information, talk through options, and can critique business plans. It’s always helpful to verbalize plans with a neutral third party.

Are there specific resources you can recommend for farmers who want to learn more about managing financial stress and uncertainty?

Over the years, there has been a substantial increase in resources for farmers seeking to deal with financial stress and uncertainty. Lenders such as Farm Credit Canada provide resources to further educate farmers. Of note is a booklet called Rooted in Strength which provides anecdotal stories from farmers experiencing stress. Farm Management Canada has resources for farmers to use and regular webinars for those interested in enhancing their farm business management. Provincial Agriculture departments often have resources to help with financial management. The key is to seek out the information that can help you in your specific situation.

Do you have any tips for young farmers just getting started who might not fully understand the financial pressures involved in farming?

1. Be aware of an ever-changing environment.
2. Write a business plan to be cognizant of cost of production, margins, marketing plans, etc. Among farmers who use written business plans, 88% claim that it’s improved their mental health.
3. Make sure your goals are achievable.
4. Avail yourself to all the advice from experts. But also ensure that the advice you get can work for your farm.
5. Always ensure communication lines are open, whether that is with business partners, creditors, or others.
6. Be honest with yourself and others.
7. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
8. At the end of the day, don’t complicate or compound the challenges you may have. Keep it simple.

If you or your loved ones are experiencing overwhelming stress and anxiety, you can also seek mental health support resources here.

The Stigma-Free Society recently had the pleasure of interviewing Kenneth and Kathryn Mentzer, a row crop farm family based in central Illinois. Their philosophy to farming is based on improving the land they farm on and making a positive impact in their community.

What are some specific challenges that people face in the rural community that impact their mental wellness, particularly in regards to young farmers? Is this something that you and your family have struggled with as well?

Some specific challenges that people face in the rural community are, first of all, the stigma surrounding mental health. Somewhere along the way, farmers became seen as tough as nails, and when they didn’t feel tough they didn’t feel comfortable coming out and saying it. Also, farmers that live in the same community are often in competition with one another. Therefore, they often don’t want to share their struggles for fear it would affect them and their business.

Also, there aren’t a lot of resources out there for young farmer’s mental health. Farming is a high pressure job in many aspects – running large, potentially dangerous equipment, having to grow a business in volatile markets, making large decisions that will affect them the rest of their lives.

Kenneth has definitely felt all of these pressures and it has affected his mental health. He used to experience anxiety and the physical symptoms of it such as palpitations and chest pain. The pressure of taking over the family business takes a significant toll, and often these farmers are starting families at the same time, which contributes to the stress.

When it comes to seeking help for mental health struggles or difficulties coping, what kind of stigma or assumptions exist in the farming community and why might some people feel wary of reaching out for help?

I think there is definitely an expectation for farmers to be tough and not struggle with their feelings. They are expected not to let anything bother them. However, statistics show that many things do bother farmers and with the changing industry, the challenges are getting even harder. I don’t think resources are advertised enough and often the only way people may know to seek help is through the local doctor. Small towns are notorious for spreading gossip like wildfire, and that may deter some from seeking help because they may fear that confidentiality won’t be respected.

What strengths exist within the farming community that are conducive to good mental health?

The strengths that exist include a community that is very like-minded. If a person speaks out about their mental health, others might reach out to them, as they may be having similar feelings. It often takes great courage to take that first step and then you find out you’re not alone. And always, if someone needs help at home or on the farm, rural communities are always good about taking time out of their day to pitch in.

What are some simple steps or suggestions you have for young farmers in terms of reaching out for help and prioritizing mental health?

1. Farming is often a very demanding job. Taking time daily, weekly, or monthly to consciously do something you enjoy can do wonders for stress. This can include working out, hunting, going out with friends, reading, woodworking, cooking/grilling, etc. Avoid drinking alcohol in excess. The key is to use that time to not think about the stresses of farming and really let yourself wind down.
2. Avoid spending too much time reading doom and gloom articles on the news and internet. It is definitely good to be informed, but use trusted news sources to get your information and then give yourself time to process that information.
3. Be very aware of who you follow and how much time you spend on social media. If you are following farming accounts that make you feel jealous, insecure, or cause feelings of anxiety about the success of your own farm, unfollow these people. Instead, choose to follow accounts that build up all farmers and are a source of positivity and togetherness (I really feel strongly about this one!)
4. Don’t be afraid to get help. If you don’t feel comfortable seeking help in your own community, use the internet. These days there are amazing websites and digital resources that offer counseling and other tools. You can also virtually see a doctor in another town via Zoom or a phone call.

What do you wish you knew about mental wellness and support when you were first starting out as a young farmer?

I wish we had known the pressure that was involved in taking over a family business. I think we knew we wanted to do it, but once it happened it was scary and there always seemed to be bad news. I wish there were better preventative resources out there for young farmers that could be accessed before their mental health took a hit. I also wish there were more sources putting out simple steps and educational strategies like the ones I listed above. For some it seems like second nature to get some fresh air for their mental health, but for others it’s not so easy. Women tend to be better at accessing mental health resources and reading about self-care, but men often don’t have the same exposure. So more resources targeted towards men and their mental health is also important.

If you or anyone you know is struggling with their mental health, visit our Health and Community Resources page for more information and support.