Dr. Laura Friesen

MEd

Jan 26

I was born and raised in a small remote farming community in the Peace region of Alberta. I have seen the stress farming can have on individuals and families as well as the unique benefits. Growing up around hard-working farmers shaped who I am today and the values I live by. For example, I think the values of being self-sufficient and tough can serve us in very healthy ways and get us to where we need to go. It helps us be creative and inventive when options don’t exist.

Being tough and self-sufficient can also make it difficult to reach outside of our immediate circle for help when needed. Not knowing who to turn to or how to reach out can lead to feelings of isolation and helplessness. A common response is to just pull up your boots and keep working. Unfortunately, the stress can continue to build which can be hard on physical and mental health.

I am a Registered Psychologist with over a decade of formal training in psychology and I specialized in rural issues. A part of being human means going through hard times, but we don't have to do this alone. I believe we can harness our farm values to help us live a healthy, connected, and meaningful life.