As if Brexit wasn’t enough to put added stress and strain on the agricultural industry, then along came the COVID-19 outbreak.
“In previous times of stress such as the BSE crisis in 1986 and the outbreak of Foot and Mouth in 2001, there was a sharp increase in the number of farmer suicides as farm incomes declined. Learning from past experiences we need to be prepared to support our farmers through this time and this is what we are great at, as an industry.”
Many farmers face stress, which is an important contributor to mental health problems. Pressures resulting from long working hours, market fluctuations, livestock disease or poor harvest can take their toll. Financial worries, isolation and real threats of targeted crime also increase farmers’ vulnerability to low mood, rumination and paranoid thinking.
Recent research reveals that 81% of farmers under 40 believe that mental health is the biggest hidden problem facing farmers today, and 92% believe that promoting good mental health is crucial if lives are to be saved and farmers are to be kept safe.
The overall illness rate for agricultural workers is 46% higher than the industry average, with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) identifying stress, depression, and anxiety as some of the main causes of work-related ill health; some of the most significant causes of ill health alongside musculoskeletal disorders and lung disease.
Shockingly, in 2018 there were 83 suicides among people working in agriculture and the related trades in England and Wales.
COVID-19
The government is telling us to stay at home and only go outside for food, health reasons or essential work, to stay two metres (six feet) away from other people and wash our hands as soon as we get home.
Agriculture is essential work, and anyone working within the industry cannot stay away from work; the dairy cows still need milking, the livestock still need feeding, and the land still needs to be managed.
This will mean that agricultural workers will be spending even more time alone, and many of our regular social activities will no longer be available to us.
It will mean a different rhythm of life, where people are forced to use different methods of keeping in touch. It is of course vital to keep in touch with other people regularly, to avoid feelings of isolation, whether it is through social media, e-mail or on the phone; they are still good ways of being close to the people who matter to you.
Follow hygiene advice such as washing your hands more often than usual, for 20 seconds with soap and hot water (sing ‘happy birthday’ to yourself twice to make sure you do this for 20 seconds). You should do this whenever you get home or into work (whether the office or farmyard), blow your nose, sneeze or cough, eat or handle food. If you can’t wash your hands straightaway, use hand sanitiser and then wash them at the next opportunity.
Try to stay connected
At times of stress, we work better in company and with support. Try and keep in touch with your friends and family, by telephone, email or social media.
With levels of depression in the industry increasing and suicide rates in agricultural workers among the highest in any occupational group, it’s important that those living and working in the community recognise signs and symptoms of mental health problems and know where to turn for support, even when life isn’t restricted as it is now.
Experiencing mental health problems?
Further help and advice can be sought from:
R.A.B.I. (The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution)
Can provide financial support for farmers in times of crisis such as illness, bereavement or events beyond their control.
FCN (The Farming Community Network)
Has a network of volunteers from the farming community and rural churches providing pastoral and practical support to help people find a positive way through their problems.
Samaritans
Provides help and emotional support at any time of the day or night. You do not have to give your name.
Mental Health Foundation
Their vision is for a world with good mental health for all. Their mission is to help people understand, protect and sustain their mental health.
Mind
Provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
Relate
The relationship people. Contact them by phone or email to find your nearest counsellor, who you can contact directly. They have useful self-help information about relationships and family issues on their national Relate website.
