Up to 80 per
cent of those
killed by air
pollution
worldwide
may be
dying from
cardiovascular
problems.agricultural producers have high
stress, and a majority had anxi-
ety. Over a third had depression.
The physical discomfort of a
heat wave also worsens mood.
A 2018 literature review found
an undeniable link between hot-
ter weather and higher risk of
suicide. Wildfire smoke even
has a psychological impact, says
Howard, while other research
suggests a link between poor air qual-
ity and worsened mental health.
Many Canadians live with an overrid-
ing worry about what climate change
is doing to our planet—this is known
as ecological grief. In a 2015 Environics
Institute poll, half of respondents cited
a “definite” or “extreme” level of con-
cern. We despair for future generations.
An Ipsos poll last year found that almost
60 per cent of us aren’t convinced that
our society is capable of reducing car-
bon emissions enough to make a dif-
ference. “This eco-anxiety can lead to
panic attacks, loss of appetite, irritabil-
ity and sleep disturbance,” says Dibble.
It’s more dangerous for those with
pre-existing mental health conditions.
Mathieu Kelly, a 41-year-old farmer
in Watrous, Sask., has an anxiety dis-
order that’s exacerbated during stressful
times, which can happen often in a jobwith long hours, volatile mar-
kets and short windows for seed-
ing and harvesting.
“The weather plays into it,”
he says. Heavy rains can delay
planting, for instance. “This
spring, I was stressed about
getting the crop in.” He ended
up calling the Farm Stress Line,
a provincial crisis service, for
support. He also copes by tak-
ing walks and communicating openly
with his wife. “There are tools out there
to help you through it.”
Cognitive behavioural therapy may
assist some people in managing nega-
tive thoughts, and physical exercise
can provide a burst of endorphins to
lift mood. It can also help to make a
few positive changes, like walking your
kids to school instead of driving them.
But volunteering in some capacity
to help the environment may be one of
the most constructive things you can
do, says Howard. Kelly has joined a
group of like-minded farmers who
follow more sustainable practices to
manage water and protect the soil.
“We’ve changed our mindset in how
we operate our farm,” he says. “Our
environment’s always changing, and
we’re dealing with mother nature the
best we can.”Thoughts of a Dog
Hi. It’s me again. I love you.
@DOG_FEELINGSreader’s digest
42 october 2019