Poor mental health is 'the biggest hidden problem' facing farmers
The Archers Farming & Countryside Advisor, Sybil Ruscoe looks at the specific challenges for farmers when dealing with poor mental health and what help is available for people suffering stress on farms.
The pressure is mounting at Brookfield. The dairy herd needs milking, Pip is out of action because Rosie is poorly, David’s quad bike is stuck in the mud and Ruth is stressed with organising seasonal parties at the Events Barn, and to add to the strain, a milk tanker is blocking in the caterers. It’s mid-December, with cold, dark mornings and dismal afternoons – everything is much tougher on the farm in winter.
Ruth’s overalls are covered in muck, her hands are frozen. She’s sloshing about the yard in bobble hat, thermals and wellies and is anxious, thinking ahead to calving in February. And on top of all of this, the Brookfield Archers are deeply worried about their youngest son Ben, following his psychotic episode outside the Ambridge Community Shop, brought on by ever-increasing stresses following his one night stand with Chelsea.
For the Archer family, farming itself is a stressful occupation and coping with Ben’s collapse has stretched them to breaking point. Mark Thomas, Head of Services at the , a charity which helps farmers under stress, says the situation at Brookfield highlights the problems faced by farming families dealing with a heavy workload and mental health problems.
Getting the cows fed and milked can be difficult when you want to be with the person you're worried about. But it isn鈥檛 possible just to put those jobs off to another time.Kate Miles, DPJ Foundation
He explains, “Farming families can be complex and relationships between members difficult at times. So, finding the right person to talk to and at the right time isn’t always easy. Mental health can be a difficult subject, so a family member may not feel they have the knowledge or skills to support someone who wants to talk.
“With all the other pressures of the daily farm workload, it may appear there’s just never a good time to talk. There will also be the concerns about 'what will other people think?' and overcoming the hurdle of stigma.”
A survey in February 2022 from the Farming Safety Foundation found that 92% of UK farmers, under the age of 40, ranked poor mental health as the biggest hidden problem facing farmers.
The Wales-based was set up in 2016 by Emma Picton-Jones after her husband, Daniel, aged 34, took his own life. He was a dad of two young children and worked as an agricultural contractor in Pembrokeshire. Daniel’s mental health problems went undiagnosed and unseen by many.
The Foundation works to challenge the stigma that prevents people from asking for help. Kate Miles, charity manager of the DPJ Foundation, says, “Farmers are extremely resilient and self-sufficient and find it harder than most to share that they are struggling. They are often multi-skilled and used to fixing many challenges that they encounter on the farm, whether that is a sick animal, a broken machine or building repair and often apply this same approach to themselves and their own health - trying to "fix" themselves before they will contemplate seeking professional support.”
For Ben Archer, even with a loving and supportive family, dealing with suicidal feelings and depression when living in a rural area has been dangerously isolating. Mark Thomas, from the FCN, says, “The farming community is made up of a range of age groups who may have been brought up with different views about mental health and for some it could still be a taboo subject. Someone who’s suffering may be concerned about what others think or feel it is a weakness to open up about how they are feeling.”
92% of UK farmers, under the age of 40, ranked poor mental health as the biggest hidden problem facing farmers.Farming Safety Foundation
At Brookfield, David Archer has had his head in the sand, hoping Ben’s problems would blow over like the Ambridge weather. He’s even engaged in diversionary tactics, obsessing over Christmas dinner plans. But now he’s devastated that Ben chose to confide in others and not his own dad.
Mark Thomas explains that this isn’t unusual in rural communities, “The 'tough as old boots' culture and 'alpha male' characteristics can get in the way. Whilst there is a general view that younger people are better at discussing mental health issues, it may be difficult for some.
“They may feel that older family members and friends might not understand their anxiety. And for people experiencing difficulties, they may worry about feeling they are 'a burden' to family members. If they were brought up with a 'just pull yourself together' attitude, it can be very hard”, he says.
Kate Miles, from the DPJ Foundation, says there’s added pressure on the farm because of the workload and living in a rural area, “Getting the cows fed and milked can be difficult when you want to be with the person you're worried about. But it isn’t possible just to put those jobs off to another time.
“Some support services are only available during the working day and often based in towns, which for people in farming, working antisocial hours makes accessing support difficult on a practical level. For those in a mental health crisis, the A&E department may be some distance and getting someone to help isn't always easy.
“Feeling the need to be on "high alert" is stressful and there may even be a sense of shame that they are in this position with their family member so they may be reluctant to reach out for help from outside their family unit.”
After reaching a crisis point, the Brookfield Archers now have help in place and Mark Thomas says there are ways farming families in distress can find support. The Farming Community Network has 30 volunteer groups across 35 counties. He says, “Talking to someone and making that first step is so important. Whilst there may still be barriers in discussing mental health problems, in most situations, friends and loved ones will want to be understanding and supportive and if you don't feel you can speak to them initially, there are organisations who are there to listen and help in confidence.”
The Farming Community Network Helpline 03000 111 999 is open from 7am to 11pm every day of the year. It is a confidential advice service, staffed by people who understand farming. They can also be contacted by email on help@fcn.org.uk. The FCN also encourages farmers to work towards a healthy work/life balance with its .
