For many, summer is a season of relaxation and fun – a chance to enjoy longer days and take a break from the stress of daily routines. However, for rural communities, the season also brings a unique set of challenges that can impact mental well-being. With increased demands of agricultural work, it’s important to focus on the needs of rural communities this time of year.
If you are looking for resources to improve mental health for your family or rural community, you’re in the right place! Explore ways to care for your mental well-being throughout the summer with our Rural Mental Wellness Program.
Challenges in Rural Mental Health During the Summer
At any time of year, mental illness in rural areas is often left unnoticed or is dismissed due to the lack of accessible resources and stigma. Summer may exacerbate mental health challenges for a variety of reasons, including:
Increased Work Stress and Pressure
Agriculture is a central part of many rural economies. For those working in farming or seasonal industries, the summer months may bring intense work stress. Farmers face the pressure of planting, harvesting, and maintaining crops, while seasonal workers often take on long hours to meet demand.
Farmers are more likely to experience mental health challenges than their urban counterparts due to the high-risk, unpredictable nature of their work and the financial instability that can come along with it. The weight of these responsibilities can lead to burnout, creating a cycle of stress that can be difficult to break without adequate support and resources.
Isolation and Loneliness
Those living and working on a farm, ranch, or in a remote community typically have fewer social interactions than their urban counterparts. Social support is vital for mental health and feeling isolated can take a significant toll. With schools out for the summer, rural youth experience disruptions in their routine and reduced social interactions.
Natural Disasters and Environmental Stressors
Another challenge faced by rural communities in Canada is the increased risk of natural disasters during the summer months, especially as wildfires have been intensifying in recent years. The anxiety associated with these events can contribute to mental health difficulties, particularly if adequate support systems to cope with the aftermath do not exist.
The Rural Mental Wellness Program: Your Community’s Path to Support
To address mental health challenges in your rural community this summer, we encourage you to take advantage of our Rural Mental Wellness Program. Each resource is specifically tailored to meet the needs of rural residents and help people of all ages care for their mental well-being: 
The Rural Mental Wellness Toolkit
The Rural Mental Wellness Toolkit is an accessible, no-cost online resource hub for educational materials and contains inspiring stories from other rural residents who have experience with mental illness and/or stigma. Through sharing authentic lived experiences and anti-stigma resources, you can make a difference in your rural community and gain tools for mental wellness.
Rural Peer Support Fundamentals Training
We offer Rural Peer Support Fundamentals Training in partnership with Sara Riel Inc. to empower local leaders and help them facilitate safe, judgment-free spaces for connection and support. Rural residents may feel isolated and ashamed when they face mental health challenges. Providing peer support in rural communities helps alleviate this shame and reminds them that they are not alone.
Interested in becoming a trainer Peer Support Worker? Join the fall wait list to be notified of our next training session.
The Rural Minds Matter Awareness Campaign
The Rural Minds Matter Awareness Campaign focuses on mental health education and stigma reduction in rural and remote communities across Northern British Columbia. Through the campaign, we are connecting people to our no-cost programs, providing support for facilitators of peer support groups, and hosting local events to spread the Stigma-Free message.
Get Involved: Become a Rural Resilience Champion
As a Rural Resilience Champion, you’ll have the opportunity to reduce stigma and share resources that support mental health in your area, including our Rural Mental Wellness Toolkit and Rural Peer Support Fundamentals Training. You’ll attend events where you can connect with others who are passionate about rural mental health and amplify the campaign’s message through social media. Volunteer with us as a Rural Resilience Champion today.
How Can We Help?
We understand that taking the first step to introduce new mental health programs in your community might feel challenging. Our team is here to support you. Contact us if you have questions about implementing our Rural Mental Wellness Program or would like to get involved further. We encourage you to explore our resources and check our Rural Minds Matter Awareness Campaign page for future events. The more we talk about mental health and share our experiences, the more we can break down the stigma and create a culture of care and empathy.
References:
Mental Health Commission of Canada. (2022, March 30). Agriculture and Suicide Fact Sheet.
The Weather Network (2025, June 6). The current wildfire season could match Canada’s most destructive year.
Author: Monique Zizzo
