Mental Health in Farming
With 88% of farmers under the age of 40 ranking poor mental health as the biggest hidden problem facing farmers today (increased from 82% in 2018), it is never more important than now to help raise the issue of mental health awareness in farming (according to survey by the Farm Safety Foundation).
With the increasing stress factors putting extra demand on farmers and workers, there is a growing risk of mental ill health, and an even greater need to make people aware of what help and resources are out there for anyone struggling.
Here are just some useful resources for you:
Yellow Wellies (Farm Safety Foundation) – Raise awareness of farm safety among young farmers and young people moving in to agriculture, including how Mental Health has an impact on farm safety.
The Little Book of Minding Your Head
YANA – Rural Mental Health Support – help for those involved in farming and other rural businesses affected by stress and depression, Helpline: 0300 323 0400, [email protected]
AHDB – Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) – offer support for farmers including a webinar series for Mental Health
FCN – The Farming Community Network – with Farmwell, a one stop resource to help you and your farm business stay strong and resilient. There is a tailored area covering Mental and Physical Health.
Mind – provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem.
RABI – The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution are a national charity that provides local support to the farming community across England and Wales. With Kooth they offer an online mental health support service which you can access free, safely and anonymously from any device at https://explore.kooth.com/rabi/
We can also be looking at what we can do as individuals to help promote our own positive mental health.
The infographic here shares 10 exercises that can be done anywhere at anytime to assist us all on a daily basis
Mental Health Awareness Week gives us the opportunity to remind ourselves to be aware of those around you; take a few minutes from your day and connect with a colleague, check in with them and ask them how they are doing. You never know just how beneficial that conversation may be……
