“It felt vulnerable and real throughout the whole book. Initially, as I read, I wondered if there would be too much vulnerability and sharing without giving the reader a sense of optimism and hope. It wasn’t long before I could feel assured that you were taking me on this journey (that isn’t nicely tied up in a bow but rather a work in progress) with many life lessons and successes along the way. It felt like it was a book that will inspire and give people the encouragement to keep trying to find what works for them. The wisdom you shared throughout the book was so personal yet so relatable and I think that is what people will take away from this. Their pain is real, their suffering can be managed, and they are not alone.”

— KM

“Just started diving into The Recovering Farmer. I can feel the heartache in the writing but it’s like it is wrapped in sunshine for some reason.”

— NL

“I read his book not from distance, but from close-up; not from anonymity, but from familiarity -- I made three observations:

First, Gerry, as he tells his stories of navigating the labyrinth of anxiety and depression, writes with unsparing honesty (he makes himself vulnerable). And this is Gerry’s approach throughout the book, to writing about his life, where he says, ‘This is who I am, this is what I’ve done, these are my flaws and this is what I have learned. – He’s unsparingly honest.

Second, Gerry tells his stories for a greater purpose. In the last 1/3 of every chapter, there is a section called ‘take-aways’, where Gerry discusses what his stories mean. It is clear that the telling of his experiences, serves a larger purpose, that of mental health, addiction and recovery; These three concepts transcend, the particular, his stories. They are the universals that tie everything together and engage the reader. The book resonated with me.

Third, and more personally: Ever since Gerry told me he was writing a book, I’ve wondered why; why was he choosing to become so publicly open about his life? He answers this question, albeit indirectly, throughout the book, from beginning to end: He wrote this book because he loves his family. And because he loves his friends. And because he loves the people he’s worked with. And even because he loves his doctors (at least most of them). Gerry wants us to know him, to understand him. He wants us to learn from his life so that we can better live ourselves.

Thank you, Gerry for writing this book. For telling us about yourself; For helping us live more bravely and with greater hope; And for reminding us that we all need to look out for one other; and that the word recovery is more verb than noun.”

— LK

“Your book is amazing - I couldn’t put it down! You have helped so many people & the book will continue that, giving people hope on their journey!

From my perspective, I really think the book more than meets the objectives you described.

The recurring themes in every chapter - being vulnerable, asking for help, telling your story, seeking professional help, talking to someone, not judging but  listening, recognizing mental health is a journey, recognizing addictions as an illness, leaning on people around you; while instilling hope really resonate.

The book really is a guidebook for those of us on a mental health journey & for those of us walking alongside someone who is on a mental health journey.

The book really captures the essence of this farming life we often love but which can be so hurtful. The isolation, I can do it work ethic, I’m the male “head” that never needs help, the often irrational attachment to animals/land, maintaining the “family home farm legacy” can be such motivators. But, as you describe so well, sometimes the impacts on those closest to us, our own mental or physical health can be devastating.

So many of the farming factors like the hog market crash, several bad crop years due to weather, input/market prices are so often beyond our control - your description about how we try to push through or solve everything is so accurate. Not sure why sometimes but, it seems we often try to push through the unfairness of life.

I could comment at length as every chapter was so good but, the Mennonite chapter & faith references in the book really resonated.

I think your book will resonate with many, giving them the freedom to reach out. This, coupled with the helpful resources you & others provide are incredibly helpful.

Thank you!

— HF

“I grew up on the farm and do have an appreciation for farmers and farming.  My older brother has been dealing with depression for a long time and it is something that I have trouble understanding. I have finished reading your book and very much appreciated it.  Your writing is top quality, I was very interested in the little stories of things that have happened to you in the past, and do have a better understanding of anxiety and depression.  I am impressed with your tackling your challenges and being open about it all.

Thank-you very much for writing the book, and I highly recommend it to anyone who has any interest in the subject.”

— JN

“I grew up on a farm in Western Manitoba, where my family cultivated a close connection to the land and our livelihood. One year, however, a catastrophic event struck our farm—my dad's crop was decimated by a hailstorm. The impact on him was profound and immediate. I remember how this loss altered his entire demeanor; he became noticeably quiet and withdrawn, a shadow of his former self.

In a matter of months, my father made the difficult decision to schedule an auction sale. He sold all of his farming equipment and, shortly thereafter, sold the land that had been their home and livelihood. Reflecting on this painful period, I wish my dad had had someone like Gerry to talk to.”

— CO

“There are a number of things that you write about which I relate to very well. You talk about your experiences about mental health and depression. Some of your experiences I can relate to very well. I went through a period of panic attacks in the early 70’s. I remember the first episode that I had to this day. I thought  for sure that I was going to die. Your experience of medication sounds so familiar. Fortunately with the help of some medication and getting some counselling from a mental health worker I gradually overcame the worst of it although it took a while. My character and DNA are such that it doesn’t take much to raise my stress level. Something I’ve lived with all my life. I like your recommendations about how to deal with stress when it comes on. 

Thanks for making yourself vulnerable and thereby helping other people in similar situations.”

— DR

“I took your book to the camper at the weekend and read the whole thing. I am not very good with words, but simply put I admire your courage, honesty and openness about your life. As you can imagine some parts came very close to home, as with a lot of hog farmers during the 90’s. 

We purchased the farm in 1990. On paper the farm was a reasonable price, and everything we were told about the pig industry sounded feasible, it took about 5 months before we needed an operating loan, then reality set in. So for the next 5 or 6 years, like you we spent our time juggling feed bills, shipping pigs, do we expand or get out.

My wife has told me numerous times that the farm got us here to an area we love and that we are very grateful for.

Some parts of the book I had to smile at, hauling slurry, pigs falling in to the pits, why did the honey wagon always break down in January never on a sunny afternoon in July. I now realize I was not the only one.

One chapter in the book particularly resonated with me, chapter 11, and it happened to me at your book signing. I should ask Gerry a question, but the room is full of academics and a lot cleverer people than me, so maybe not, I must get over that.

In November 2022, on a Monday morning I was hauling a load of fertilizer and the trailer caught fire, first time I’ve had that. 5 days later I had a fatal head on, I got away, in comparison, with minor injuries, thankfully.

My wife and kids were incredible at that time very supportive , just like your family. Unfortunately 3 weeks later my eldest brother passed away, that’s when I realized for the first time I think I should seek some professional help, and I did.

When you can jump that hurdle things can get better.

I’m sure your book will help a lot of people.

Many thanks ”

— CW