My Blog

One of the most poignant images I have ever seen was  a photograph of 52 pairs of Wellingtons  which were lined up and represented the number of farmers who had taken their own lives in a twelve month period. It was only after seeing this image that I learned that Farming has one of the highest suicide rates of any industry.

In 2020 it was reported that 85% of farmers under 40 believed that mental health was the biggest danger facing the industry, an increase of 4% from the year before.  For many farmers the struggles with mental health or mental illness are all too familiar and the number of families touched by tragedy, in an industry with such a high fatality rate,  is growing.  

Farmers are the type of people who have a 'get on and get it done' attitude and this can add to their mental health struggles.  When one member of the family is struggling it can quickly and easily become a family struggle, especially when work and home life are so closely linked, and this can increase the feelings of guilt.  

For some the COVID-19 issues have increased the sense of isolation and has left many feeling not only alone, but lonely. 

Mental health is much like physical health, it can change from day to day and from person to person and being aware of some of the signs can help us all to help each other.  Family members may identify someone who is struggling even before they know it themselves.  Signs to look out for include:

• Mood changes
• Loss of appetite
• Feeling disconnected
• Becoming withdrawn
• A change in sleeping patters
• Exhaustion
• Over thinking things
• Inability to make decisions 
• Making mistakes
• Feelings of guilt

But what about those who are not seeing other people and whose isolation prevents others from seeing the signs? Sometimes the simple act of picking up the phone and asking how the person is doing may be the lifeline they need.  

We can't make people ask for help and we can't force them to take help when it is offered but we can be there for them so that when they ask we can answer. 

Everyone at some point in their life will need the help and support of others.  It is not seen as a weakness when a physical injury prevents you from doing your job and most of us would ask for help until we were 100% fit again, so why don't we do the same when our mental health suffers?

While a lot of great work has been done to break down barriers, we also need to stamp out the stigma around mental health.  There should be no shame in asking for help when it is needed and accepting help when it is offered. Remember it's okay to not be okay and there is help available should you, or someone you know need it.