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Mental Health Resources

Stress is all around us – family, relationships, work, financial, health (human and animal) – and it can sometimes become very overwhelming, taking a toll on our mental wellbeing.

With busy and demanding lives and jobs, it can be difficult to find the time to take care of ourselves. That is why it is so important for family, friends and neighbours to look out for one another.

Remember that you are not alone – reach out to a family member, or a friend, or other emotional support. Just talking with someone can make a world of difference.

If you feel that you are a threat to yourself, or others, call 911 immediately,
or go to your closest emergency department or hospital.

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Resources

9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline

9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline is available to anyone that feels like they have lost hope and struggling to cope, if you're dealing with thoughts of suicide, or if you are worried about someone else. A trained responder is available to listen without judgement, provide support and understanding, and tell you about available resources.

Call or text (toll free) 9-8-8 -- available 24/7, 365 days/year
Call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest emergency department if your safety is at risk or you (or someone around you) have tried to hurt yourself or end your life very recently or plan to do so in the next few minutes.

24/7 Crisis Hotline

ConnexOntario is a service of the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care that provides mental health, addiction, and problem gambling navigation and information services, 24/7 - 365 days/year.

Phone: (toll free) 1-866-531-2600 – available 24/7 – 365 days/year
Text (686868) – for youth and adults (sponsored by Kids Help Phone)
Email and webchat options are also available by going to the website: https://connexontario.ca/
- Note: the webchat option is not a crisis line and may take longer to receive a response

Farmer Wellness Initiative

The Farmer Wellness Initiative provides Ontario farmers, farm families, farm employees, and spouses and dependents of farm employees with free, unlimited mental health counselling, specific to the unique challenges that can be experienced by the agricultural community.

Call 1-866-267-6255 -- available 24/7, 365 days/year
Call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest emergency department if your safety is at risk or you (or someone around you) have tried to hurt yourself or end your life very recently or plan to do so in the next few minutes.

Mental Health & Agriculture

Farming is demanding on the best of days, and when our mental health isn’t prioritized, simple every day chores become challenging and stressful tasks. Farming requires hard working and resilient people, but this resilience can take its toll. Today’s farmers and the broader agriculture community recognizes just how important it is to Think Mental Health.

Think Mental Health's Agriculture webpage has been created specifically for the agriculture industry and is intended to connect farmers and community members to strategically picked resources. Check it out.

DoMore Agriculture Foundation

The Do More Agriculture Foundation is the national voice and champion for mental health in Canadian agriculture and is changing the culture of agriculture to one where all are encouraged, supported, and empowered to take care of their mental wellbeing.

AgTalk - AgTalk provides a safe and anonymous space where individuals 16+ can connect, share, and receive support from a community of peers who understand their unique experiences. With 24/7 clinical moderation, this platform ensures a secure environment for open discussions on mental health in both English and French.
Find support, resources and websites accross Canada
Wellness tips and resources
Upcoming events and programs

Canadian Agriculture Safety Association (CASA)

As a national, non-profit organization, CASA promotes farm safety in the agricultural sector. CASA works with partners in government, business, and farming organizations across the country to support initiatives that equip producers, their families and their workers with the information and tools needed to make farms a safe place to live, work and play.

Additional Resources:

Canadian Mental Health Association

Ontario 211

The Ontario 211 (Province-wide Crisis Line) provides information and referral for community, government, social and health services, including mental health resources across Ontario
Call 2-1-1
Toll-free: 1-877-330-3213
Live web chat
Contact Form

Victim Support Line

Call: 1-888-579-2888 (connect victims of crime with community services)

Distress and Crisis Ontario or can also be contacted by email: [email protected]

Additional mental health information and resources are also available through the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care web resource - Find Mental Health Support

Telehealth Ontario

Call: 1-888-797-0000 (on-call nurses; health-related issues, depression, anxiety)

Substance-use supports and resources

Breaking Free Recovery Support Program is a free online support tool designed to help Ontarians ages 16 and up reduce or stop the use of over 70 substances, such as tobacco, alcohol and drugs, including opioids.
Get help with substance use

For children, youth and young adults:

Kids Help Phone

Call: 1-800-668-6868 (provides counselling and info for ages 5-20)
Live web chat available 7pm to midnight EST
Text (686868) – this is for youth and adults (sponsored by Kids Help Phone)

Good2Talk

Good2Talk provides free, confidential support services for post-secondary students in Ontario and Nova Scotia

Call: (toll free) 1-866-925-5454 (provides counselling and information for youth and young adults aged 17-25)
Text GOOD2TALKON to 686868

It Okay to Not Feel Okay - Ontario Pork