The stigma surrounding mental health is a significant issue in the Irish farming community. It is important to take steps to bust this stigma so that we can promote mental health and well-being among farmers and their families.
For some reason, as farmers, we’re far more likely to care for our livestock, machinery, and land rather than we are to care for ourselves. Many farmers do not seek help until their illness, either physical or mental, has reached a crisis point. In farming, we’re taught to tough it out and deal with things ourselves and somehow figure them out. But sometimes that’s just not possible This attitude may be the very reason some people with mental health issues find it next to impossible to open up.
The Irish farming community prides itself on its strength and self-sufficiency. However, these traits can sometimes become barriers to farmers reaching out and seeking the help they need.
Farmers think admitting they are having a problem is a sign of weakness. But the reality is that opening up takes strength. Reaching out might be the most courageous thing you ever do. No one should be left to tough it out without help.
Someone might not reach out because:
They think their problems are not significant enough to ask for help for.
They think a professional couldn’t possibly know what they’re going through.
They believe there’s no access to the help they need.
They may be unaware they would benefit from support.
Men are less likely to reach out, especially those who pride themselves on being ‘strong’.
Some people worry about asking for help because there can be a stigma around mental health.
They may believe that asking for help means they have failed and don’t like admitting that something is wrong.
They worry too much about what others think and don’t want to admit they have an issue.
So what can we do?
If we can each change our attitudes to how we see mental health, others will be able to come forward and seek help more freely. Here are some ideas that can help reduce the stigma around seeking help for mental health issues in Irish rural Society.
Be Open to Learning: Educating farmers and their families about mental health and the common misconceptions and stereotypes associated with mental illness can help to increase understanding and reduce stigma. We can gather and share the knowledge and skills needed to support Irish farmers to proactively manage their health and wellness. We hope this publication goes some way towards doing that.
Sharing personal stories: Encouraging farmers and their families to share their personal stories and experiences with mental health can help to break down barriers and reduce stigma. Hearing from others who have struggled with mental health concerns can help to show that mental illness is a common and treatable condition. Sometimes helping yourself or someone else can be as easy as starting a conversation. Chatting honestly about the difficulties we are facing and also listening, without judgment when others speak to us, can help lift the stigma around mental health.
Normalising help-seeking: Normalising help-seeking behaviour can help to reduce stigma and encourage farmers and their families to seek support when they need it. This can include promoting the use of mental health resources, such as hotlines or counselling services, and highlighting the positive outcomes of seeking help.
Promoting self-care: Encouraging farmers and their families to prioritise self-care activities, such as exercise, relaxation techniques, or spending time with loved ones, can help to promote mental health and reduce stigma by showing that mental health is an important aspect of overall health and well-being.
Providing resources and support: Providing farmers access to mental health resources and support services can help to reduce stigma by making it easier to access help when needed. This can include resources such as counselling services, peer support groups, and online mental health resources. It makes a difference to talk with fellow farmers who understand what you are going through. Farming groups like the IFA, INHFA or MACRA have useful advice, and may be able to provide support.
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