Rural Roots

In the Know is a free, 4-hour mental health literacy program developed for Canadian farmers and the agricultural community.

This program is designed to support farmers in identifying, understanding, and coping with mental health challenges that they face in their day-to-day work, have discussions about mental health, and seek support when it is needed. In the Know was created by Dr. Andria Jones-Bitton and Briana Hagen at the Ontario Veterinary College (University of Guelph), in collaboration with farmers and mental health professionals. Program facilitators have experience in agriculture and understand the challenges of farming.

Outcomes for participants include developing the tools to:

• Describe stress, anxiety, depression, acute trauma, substance abuse, and suicide
• Recognize signs and symptoms of mental distress
• Use active listening and empathy to have a safe conversation about mental health with someone who may be struggling
• Identify where to direct people for help / support for their mental health