There is a hidden problem facing farmers today. Recent research, as polled by the Farming Safety Foundation, found that 95% of young farmers say poor mental health is the biggest overlooked danger across farming. With the 13th May marking the start of Mental Health Awareness week, here Alex Phillimore from the Farming Community Network (FCN) tells us more about the support available for farmers in the UK.
Between economic uncertainty, long working hours, hard physical labour and the upcoming risks of climate change, farmers face a unique set of challenges. Though a highly rewarding career, these challenges make farmers vulnerable to feelings of isolation, depression and anxiety. Farmers put food on our tables and have a key economic and environmental impact so it’s important that their mental wellbeing does not go overlooked.
– Lacking energy and motivation
– Seeming withdrawn
– Having low self-esteem and self-criticising often
– Displaying a loss of interest in day-to-day life
– Sleeping too much or too little
– Responding aggressively
– Eating too much or too little
If someone is showing one or more signs of the above does not necessarily mean they are experiencing poor mental health. Instead, all of these should be compared to what is considered as someone’s ‘normal’ behaviour.
If you notice that someone may be struggling with their mental health, there are several steps you can take to help them, this includes:
– Encouraging them to talk openly about their feelings in a safe, private and comfortable setting.
– Listening to them without judgement and validating their feelings.
– Supporting them to seek professional help or turn to resources that are available.
– Encouraging positive daily routines e.g., self-care, physical activity, healthy eating, sufficient sleep and socialising.
The Farming Community Network (FCN) is a voluntary organisation and charity that aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people in farming by providing support at times of difficulty and change. Currently, FCN has approximately 400 volunteers from across the agricultural industry, who know how to ‘speak the language’ of farming and understand its unique challenges.
Each year, the charity helps approximately 6,000 people deal with a variety of issues, including financial difficulties, animal disease, mental well-being and family disputes. FCN provide a proactive ‘walk with’ and confidential approach in helping people to avoid reaching crisis point.
FCN attends more than 150 agricultural shows and events annually, where representatives of the charity will explain the services and support FCN can be provide. Here, they also encourage farmers to make note of the charity’s contact details should they or someone they know ever need to talk. FCN also regularly coordinates social events, encouraging local farmers to get together to network, share experiences and to support one another through the changes ahead.
We also provide local support through our volunteer groups. This in-person support could involve FCN volunteers visiting a farm and sitting with the family around the kitchen table, working through whatever the issues might be and helping to mediate as a neutral third party. Or it could be listening to someone’s concerns for the future of their business and helping them to explore their options.
FCN also operates the FarmWell website (farmwell.org.uk) – a one-stop shop for information to support your farm business and develop personal resilience. FarmWell contains useful information about a wide range of issues, including animal disease and business planning, and is a valuable tool for anyone involved in the agricultural sector.
The charity advocates for a positive work-life balance, and is increasingly working to help to address health inequalities that can exist in farming and rural communities.
We have also recently launched an exciting new UK-wide partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support with a scope to improve the support available to those living with cancer in rural areas. This includes raising awareness in rural communities of the signs and symptoms of cancer and building referral bridges to and from Macmillan’s services. Farmers are an intrinsic part of rural communities, but long working hours and a lack of access to support services can limit opportunities for health checks, and sadly the early signs of cancer may be difficult to identify or missed entirely. The sooner people can access cancer interventions and support, the sooner they can start their journey to recovery and remission.
If you or a loved one are affected, FCN operates a confidential helpline (03000 111 999) which is open 7am-11pm, 365 days of the year.
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