Needs Assessment of In-person Counselling for the Manitoba Farm and Rural Stress Line

Abstract

The ongoing economic crisis experienced by Canadian producers is aggravated by the addiitonal farm-related stressors. Moreover, many farmers are reluctant to seek help for related mental and emotional health issues. Thirteen farm calls to the Manitoba Farm and Rural Stress Line (MFRSL) occurred during June and July of 2008. Callers included 7 females and 6 males between the ages of 35-65+ years. A qualitative design determined whether callers would identify in-person counseling as a need. Statements by callers were quoted directly and coded according to farm stress related issue(s), and three additional categories including reported health symptoms, coping mechanisms used, and perceived barriers to seeking help. <p>The most frequently cited coping mechanism was contact with the MFRSL. All callers stated that they woudl use an in-person counseling service if it was provided by the MFRSL. Reported farm stress related health symptoms included various physical, mental, emotional, and behavioural problems. Barriers to seeking help included health providers that lacked farming knowledge, and the values of pride and independence. These findings coincide with available literature related to farm stress and correlated help-seeking issues of farmers. The MFRSL is in a position to create an in-person counseling program that meets that unique needs identified by producers as critical to successfully assisting them with their health issues.