Farming Focus - Recognising stress

Recognising stress is first step to relief

Mental health issues affect one in five of the population. The term does not just cover depression or schizophrenia, but also includes more common conditions such as stress, anxiety or just feeling down.  Those employed in agriculture are not immune from any of those conditions, infact Farmers are at an increased risk of suicide and account for the highest rates of suicide within any working group.

Farming in Northern Ireland has undergone many significant changes over the last few years and this has resulted in increased stress levels for many farmers.  They face pressures from mounting paperwork, animal health scares, the globalisation of world trade and, closer to home, supermarket price wars.  Financial concerns due to fluctuating feed and oil prices as well as uncertainty over the value of produce can create fear over home or farm repossession – all adding to existing family and personal stresses.

Added to that, farming often involves working in isolation, without assistance, against time and against the elements. All this may mean that while symptoms of stress are regularly experienced by farmers, they are either not being recognised, or are simply being ignored.

Farmers, it seems, do not seek help easily, despite being well aware of the benefits of positive health as is illustrated by the care taken in looking after livestock.  A rural GP said: “Farmers as a group have to have tremendous self reliance and skills in many areas. They find it difficult to discuss with others, aspects of their mental wellbeing as this is often seen as weakness or failure.  “In my experience, those who approach a surgery do so when symptoms or anxieties are well established and, therefore, more difficult to resolve.  “I would encourage anyone with symptoms of stress, including poor sleep or lack of interest in life, to make contact as simple measures at and early stage can help people through those difficulties.”

Grainne McClean, Executive Director of Rural Support, said: “Often, farmers and their families find it difficult to ask for help.  This can be for reasons such as pride, the stigma of asking for help, fear of being seen as a failure or just hoping that a problem will sort itself out.  “Individuals may think they are the only person who has a problem.  If that was true, there wouldn't be a need for Rural Support in the first place.”  She said: “We take time to listen and to understand the problems that an individual is experiencing. Sometimes the real issues only come to light after several conversations.”  Everyone experiences ‘ups and downs’ in life. However, an accumulation of pressures over a period of time can lead to stress. If ignored, prolonged stress can result in a loss of wellbeing in all areas of our lives and this may impact on our physical, mental and personal relationships.  Having good mental health means feeling positive about yourself and being able to cope with everyday problems.

Many people, men in particular, find it difficult to speak about their worries but it can be helpful to talk to someone else, for instance your GP who can refer you on to specialised services, if required.  Ignoring mental health problems won’t make them go away; it could actually make them get worse.  There are organisations who can provide a range of help, advice and support services:

Rural Support is a listening ear and signposting service for farmers and rural communities;
Tel: 0845 606 7 607 or visit http://www.ruralsupport.org.uk/  

Lifeline lets you talk to trained counsellors on subjects such as suicide, self-harm, abuse, trauma, depression or anxiety; Lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days per week. Tel: 0808 808 8000

The Samaritans. Tel: 08457 909 090 or visit website http://www.samaritans.org/

The Public Health Agency. Visit websites http://www.mindingyourhead.info/ or http://www.publichealth.hscni.net/

Things you can do to help reduce your stress levels and promote and protect your mental health include:

• Keeping active: Regular exercise can help you feel more positive
• Getting involved: Meet with friends, join a club, take a course and learn something new
• Accepting yourself: Everyone is different, nobody is perfect
• Drinking in moderation: Overdoing it can make things worse
• Eating healthily: A good diet will give you more energy and help you feel better
• Recognising the signs: Being mentally healthy means being able to deal with daily pressures. If you feel you cannot cope or are turning to alcohol or drugs to get by, you may have a problem you need help with
• Asking for help: Don’t be embarrassed about seeking help for a mental health problem. If you were physically sick, you would see a doctor

 

Page last updated:23 September 2009