Ontario Farmer, Diane Bergsma is Providing a Solution for Farmers in Need of Mental Break

We're glad you're joining us for another episode of Barnyard Language. If you enjoy the show, please tell a friend (or two) and be sure to rate and review us wherever you're listening! If you want to help us keep buying coffee and paying our editor, you can make a monthly pledge on Patreon to help us stay on the air. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok as BarnyardLanguage, and if you'd like to connect with other farming families, you can join our private Barnyard Language Facebook group. We're always in search of future guests for the podcast. If you or someone you know would like to chat with us, get in touch.If you have a something you'd like to Cuss & Discuss, you can submit it here: speakpipe.com/barnyardlanguage or email us at [email protected] Bergsma shares her experience of raising a family on a farm and the challenges and joys that come with it. She also discusses the loss of her son, Dallas, and how it inspired the creation of Three Oaks Cabin, a retreat for farmers and first responders. The cabin provides a space for reflection and rejuvenation, with the goal of preventing tragedies and promoting joy and purpose in life. Diane emphasizes the importance of community support and the role it played in making the project possible. The conversation explores the contributing factors for suicide among first responders and farmers, the importance of supporting someone in crisis, creating space for mental health conversations, growing hope and redefining identity, prioritizing self-care in agriculture, rebuilding intimate agricultural communities, and recognizing the importance of volunteer fire departments.Connect with Three Oaks CabinLearn more here: https://www.threeoakscabin.com/Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083395868106Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/3oakscabin/TakeawaysRaising a family on a farm provides opportunities to teach children about the beauty of life, the value of hard work, and the fragility of life.Parenting involves creating a sense of security and trust in children, while also preparing them to stand on their own and think for themselves.The loss of a child can be a catalyst for positive change and the creation of meaningful projects that benefit others.Community support and partnerships are crucial in bringing a vision to life and making a positive impact on the lives of others. First responders and farmers are more likely to contemplate or die by suicide due to factors such as mental fatigue, isolation, and trauma.Creating a supportive environment and normalizing mental health conversations can help individuals seek help and support.It is important to reach out to friends and family members who may be struggling and offer support and resources.Self-care and prioritizing mental health are crucial for individuals in the agriculture industry.Building strong and supportive agricultural communities can help combat isolation and provide a network of support.Volunteer fire departments play a vital role in rural areas and deserve recognition and support.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Growing03:13 Childhood and Background04:21 Military Life05:46 Moving and Family08:21 Navigating and Directions09:15 Transition to Farm Life11:10 Parenting Advice12:24 Raising Kids on the Farm15:26 Lessons from Farm Life21:57 Loss of a Child28:06 Three Oaks Cabin36:10 Progress and Programs41:51 Community Support45:13 Supporting a Cause46:05 Creating a Restful Space47:52 Contributing Factors for Suicide Among First Responders and Farmers51:33 Supporting Someone in Crisis56:49 Creating Space for Mental Health Conversations01:02:07 Growing Hope and Redefining Identity01:05:17 Prioritizing Self-Care in Agriculture01:12:22 Rebuilding Intimate Agricultural Communities01:15:12 Recognizing the Importance of Volunteer Fire Departments