Mental health app launched to help agriculture community

A new app is helping end the stigma around mental health in the agriculture community.

AgTalk is a peer-support well-being app launched by the Do More Agriculture Foundation in collaboration with TogetherAll. The platform was officially released this week at Canada’s Farm Show in Regina.

“We are working to change the culture in agriculture to one where all are empowered and supported to take care of their mental well-being,” said Do More executive director Megz Reynolds.

The app is a national peer-support platform, which allows people in agriculture to talk with others who have previously gone through the same struggles and share their life experiences.

All of it is completely anonymous and confidential to help ensure everyone feels comfortable using the platform. Reynolds said her research showed that farmers wanted more peer support, but also wanted anonymity.

“They don’t want that (peer support) to be in their community, and they don’t even want that to be in their province,” said Reynolds. “They don’t want to possibly know the person they’re connecting with.”

Although AgTalk is based around peer support, the app will also be monitored 24/7 by clinicians and mental health professionals to help ensure everyone’s safety.

Reynolds herself has a farming background, and expressed how isolating the struggles can be. Reynolds said even if people don’t feel comfortable talking with someone on the app, just looking through it can make them feel less alone.

“Maybe you just want to read the posts because you’re not yet ready to post, and that’s OK,” said Reynolds. “But in doing so, you know that you’re not alone in what you’re going through and what you’re feeling.”

AgTalk is free for all Canadians age 16 and older who identify as someone who lives, works or plays in agriculture. The app is offered in both English and French.

–With files from 980 CJME’s Nicole Garn