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

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Diane 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 Cabin

Learn more here: https://www.threeoakscabin.com/

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Takeaways

• Raising 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.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Growing
• 03:13 Childhood and Background
• 04:21 Military Life
• 05:46 Moving and Family
• 08:21 Navigating and Directions
• 09:15 Transition to Farm Life
• 11:10 Parenting Advice
• 12:24 Raising Kids on the Farm
• 15:26 Lessons from Farm Life
• 21:57 Loss of a Child
• 28:06 Three Oaks Cabin
• 36:10 Progress and Programs
• 41:51 Community Support
• 45:13 Supporting a Cause
• 46:05 Creating a Restful Space
• 47:52 Contributing Factors for Suicide Among First Responders and Farmers
• 51:33 Supporting Someone in Crisis
• 56:49 Creating Space for Mental Health Conversations
• 01:02:07 Growing Hope and Redefining Identity
• 01:05:17 Prioritizing Self-Care in Agriculture
• 01:12:22 Rebuilding Intimate Agricultural Communities
• 01:15:12 Recognizing the Importance of Volunteer Fire Departments