Irish farmers are known to be adaptable, resilient and also incredibly hardworking. However, research suggests that farmers in Ireland may be at higher risk of poor mental health outcomes compared to the general population.
A study published in 2021 found that Irish farmers had higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress compared to non-farmers, with financial and work-related stress identified as significant factors.
Farming can be a challenging and stressful occupation, with issues such as long working hours, unpredictable weather conditions, financial pressures, and isolation contributing to poor mental health outcomes. There is no doubt that farming in Ireland, and particularly in the West of Ireland, is a tough, dangerous and stressful business.
It is also worth noting that it is not only our mental health that is at higher risk. Farmers in Ireland are at a higher risk of injury, disability, and premature death than most other professions nationally. Studies worldwide have shown that farmers experience a wide range of health problems, especially in relation to heart disease, cancers and mental health issues and, sadly, a very high rate of suicides.
So, as farmers, we need to accept that we are working in a high-risk group for both physical and mental illness. It makes sense then to be prepared and have a good grasp of some basic skills and techniques that we can use to improve both our physical and mental health. It is only good planning to think ahead and have a support network in place to protect yourself and your family.
What is Mental Health?
Everyone has mental health just the same as they have physical health but in our society we seem happy to talk about one and not the other. People can keep problems to themselves through fear of being treated differently or being judged.
Sometimes people get intimidated by the words ‘Mental Health’ but it simply means anything to do with our internal emotional and social well-being.
Your mental health can influence how you:
Think, behave and feel about yourself and the world about you.
Cope with our workload, solve problems and overcome challenges.
Interact with other people, build relationships with others and contribute to your communities.
Look after ourselves and others.
Take part in and enjoy our lives outside of farming.
Positive Mental Health means a state of well-being that helps us to cope with the normal stress of life, work and contribute to our communities, and develop as people.
Many people believe that mental health issues “happens to someone else.” Unfortunately, the reality is that mental illnesses do not discriminate; they can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, where you live or work, what you earn or any other aspect of your identity.
You have a role to play
Increased understanding and discussions around mental health will, in time, reduce the discrimination experienced by those who are struggling.
It is important to create a culture in farming that promotes positive mental health and helps everyone to better manage all of our health problems., both mental and physical We can do this by talking and listening.to each other.
Encouraging farmers and their families to share their personal stories and experiences with their own mental health can help to break down barriers and reduce stigma. Hearing from others who have struggled can help to show that mental illness is a common and treatable condition. We can offer a supportive environment for people to share their experiences and help them to develop coping skills and strategies.
The more people talking about mental health in the community the better equipped we all are to support farmers’ overall well-being in this ever-changing world.
Our goal is to make that conversation easier for both the person reaching out and the person listening.
It is important to remember, you you are not alone.
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