“We all rely on farmers three times a day”

Every year, poor mental health leads to fatal accidents and suicide attempts among those working in the agriculture industry. According to research led by the Farm Safety Foundation, 94% of UK farmers under 40 rank mental ill-health as the greatest hidden issue facing farmers today.

Therefore, this year’s campaign comes at a time when there is consensus in the farming community that mental health in the sector is deteriorating. Emma Haley, charity manager at YANA (You Are Not Alone), confirmed the organisation has seen an increase in farmers needing support over recent years.

“Calls into YANA’s helpline have increased significantly over the last two years, with 40% more calls received in 2022 compared to the previous year.

“Specifically, there has been an increase in people calling because they are concerned about someone. This is important because it can be daunting and isolating when living with someone who is struggling. It is often the first step to the person seeking help themselves,” she added.

While farmers are resilient by nature and are used to dealing with factors outside of their control on a day-to-day basis, the challenges can become overwhelming when too many uncertainties are present for a prolonged period of time, Ms Haley pointed out.

She reminded farmers that at times like these, it’s not uncommon for people to need a “little extra help” to get back on track.

“The most common cause for people seeking help is due to experiencing feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. However mental health affects all aspects of life and so we also see people calling in due to relationship or work issues, bereavement and finance related problems,” she revealed.

Meanwhile, Alex Phillimore, head of communications and development at The Farming Community Network (FCN), said cases presented to the charity have been increasingly complex in recent years, and FCN has been working alongside other stakeholders to help farmers find a positive way forward.

“We see some common themes emerging in many cases we are supporting on, including mental ill-health, family relationship issues and family concerns. No two cases are the same, but we do find that many are concerned about the future, anxious about uncertainty and market pressures, and worried about the long-term sustainability of the farm business in a changing industry,” he revealed.

Mr Phillimore also emphasised the importance of communities and the wider public supporting the essential work farmers are doing every day to put food on the nation’s table.

“[…] We know that prolonged periods of stress and anxiety can negatively impact both our physical health and our mental health, and we need to ensure that farmers, growers and all in the supply chain are given the respect and support needed to thrive. We all rely on farmers three times a day.”

“A problem shared is a problem halved”

Among the objectives of the Farm Safety Foundation’s Mind Your Head campaign are continuing to break down the stigma attached to poor mental health in farming and encouraging those living and working in the sector to look out for each other.

Farmers supporting farmers and acting upon early signs of anxiety or depression is gaining increasing prominence as the industry continues to take lives through work-related accidents each year.

In 2021/2022, a total of 22 farm worker deaths have been recorded in the HSE Fatal Injuries in Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing in GB report, while an even more disheartening 36 suicides were registered in England and Wales among the farming industry in 2021 (Office of National Statistics).

Addressing those struggling to cope or worried about a colleague or family member, Ms Haley from YANA said: “The best thing you can do is find someone you trust to talk to or reach out to one of the support charities to speak to someone neutral.

“Think about the things you can control and try to make small positive changes. This could be things like how you spend your spare time, who you spend it with, your reactions, how well you are eating. These are all things that can help to cope better.”

When noticing changes in someone’s behaviour that indicate they might be struggling, Ms Haley said the best course of action is to ask the person if they are struggling and not just accepting the first response.

“Explain why you are concerned, and any changes you have noticed. Most importantly, let them know you are there to listen if they want to talk, then check in on them every now and then. It can take a while for someone to talk but your consistent messages will make a difference,” she stressed.

On the same note, Alex Phillimore emphasised the sooner someone asks for help, the sooner charities like FCN can help resolve the situation.

“Sometimes people feel they’d be a burden, or feel guilty about asking for help. But the truth is that there is immense strength in being able to let people in, admit things aren’t going so well, and talk about it.

“We need to normalise asking for help early, remind people we’re part of a community that is supportive and looks after its own, and that there are many people out there who are here to listen, support and help – including FCN volunteers,” he added.

Mr Phillimore encouraged farmers to share their burden and remember they are not alone. Finally, he urged those worried about a family member, friend or colleague, to take action.

“Remind people that a problem shared is a problem halved, and that none of us should be shouldering our burdens alone. Learn about the signs and symptoms of mental ill-health and let people know about the support that is out there.”

Both FCN and YANA offer various forms of support to those involved in the agriculture industry, delivered by trained personnel who understand the pressures in farming.

The FCN helpline 03000 111 999 is open between 7am to 11pm every day of the year, and the YANA helpline 0300 323 0400 can be contacted 24/7.