This webinar, featuring Gerry Friesen, offers an honest and hopeful exploration of mental health in farming. Drawing from his memoir, The Recovering Farmer, Gerry delves into the aspects of farm life that impacted his mental health—both positively and negatively—and shares actionable strategies for building and maintaining wellness.
What you will learn
Through a candid and informal discussion, Gerry will challenge the misconceptions that often accompany mental health conversations in agriculture. Attendees will gain valuable insights into reducing stigma, fostering open dialogue, and embracing the truth that it’s okay not to be okay. Whether you are directly involved in farming or simply passionate about supporting rural mental health, this session offers encouragement, understanding, and tools for meaningful change
About the presenter
Gerry Friesen is a passionate advocate for mental health and wellness in agricultural communities. Growing up on a farm and spending 25 years as a farmer himself, Gerry has firsthand experience with the unique challenges farmers face. Combining his personal journey of living with anxiety and depression, extensive conflict resolution training, and counseling expertise, Gerry offers a relatable and practical perspective on managing mental health.
As a co-founder and current Chief Administrative Officer of the Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program, Gerry has dedicated his career to supporting others in navigating life’s challenges. His engaging presentations on stress management have taken him across Canada, where he shares his story and provides concrete tools to promote mental well-being.
Gerry Friesen
Chief Administrative Officer for the Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program.
www.gerryfriesen.ca to order your copy.
If you need more information, please email us: hello@agknow.ca
Cost: Free
Location: Virtual
Length of Orientation: 60 minutes
Workshop Date: January 30, 2025