WELLNESS ON THE FARM

Providing Support for Our Loved Ones

By Bethany Storey, BFO Communications Specialist and Darby Wheeler, BFO Policy Advisor

Over the past number of months COVID-19, along with the many other high-pressure, negative news stories and events of 2020, have taken a toll on each and every one of us. Preliminary studies are showing that many Canadians are indicating greater levels of psychological distress due to COVID-19. It is difficult to avoid the melancholy attitude and it has become even harder when we have to maintain our distance from those we love and our communities.

As many of us know, this can certainly hit some individuals harder than others. Potentially a member of the family, a friend or a coworker is experiencing a mental health challenge or dealing with a mental illness during this time. Research confirms that support from a friend or family members is a key part in providing emotional and practical support. So how can you recognize when someone might need your help? And what can you do?

How to Know When to Help?

There are certain indicators that a family member or friend may be dealing with a mental health challenge or suffering from a mental illness. Each person may experience a mental health challenge or mental illness differently, but there are some indicators that may be present. Some of these indicators include (but aren’t limited to):

• No longer interested in common hobbies or activities

• Seem to feel low or depressed for no reason

• Do not enjoy anything anymore

• Do not seem to experience any emotion; emotionally numb

• May seem to be hearing strange voices or have unsettling thoughts

• Have gone from being a healthy person to feeling ill frequently

• Eating and sleep patterns have changed

• Anxiety levels are increased over what seem to be regular events or situations

• Being absent from work or school

• Drinking and/or using drugs to cope

• Avoiding close friends and family

• Talking about taking their life

What Can You Do to Help?

There are a number of ways that a person can help another in their journey to overcome a mental illness.

• The ability to recognize when something is wrong – An important aspect of treating mental illness is getting the help needed early. The close relationships of friends and family often results in being the first to recognize that something is different.

• Helping find help – Trusted individuals can be strong advocates in helping loved ones get through the difficult, early stages. An important aspect of this is to help those struggling to determine the treatment that works for them. Do research and try to provide examples of the different available options that might be helpful to those suffering to overcome potential embarrassment and reluctance to take the first step.

• Provide emotional support – Aim to be as supportive and understanding as possible. Those struggling may be experiencing feelings of guilt, shame or loneliness, and supportive individuals provide the hope and positive attitudes needed to move forward. It is also important to take care of one’s own mental health as well. Supporting a loved one dealing with a mental illness can cause its own stress and anxiety, so remember to prioritize your own personal care as well.

• Encouraging a healthy lifestyle – One’s mental health is also affected by one’s lifestyle. It is important to support loved ones by encouraging them to get the right amount of sleep, have a nutritious diet, regularly exercise, and find activities or hobbies that can allow them to de-stress or reduce anxiety.

These are just a few basic ways that you can reach out and help a loved one who may be going through a difficult time. There are also many resources that can be found online or from a family physician to gain further information and help in addressing mental health challenges or mental illnesses.

For more resources on mental health and wellness, visit the following websites: Canadian Mental Health Association, Mental Health First Aid, Crisis Services Canada and Farm Credit Canada’s Wellness Tips. OB