Stress is linked to depression and high level of stress have been observed in farmers. Mental health pressures on the agricultural communityįarming has a unique mix of intertwined circumstances that are potentially hazardous to mental health, such as social isolation, long hours, variable income due to circumstances out with one’s control such as the weather. Farmers are more likely to have access to firearms, although changes to the law for gun ownership in England and Wales in 1989 means hanging has now taken over as the principle method of suicide. Higher rates of suicide may therefore be due to easier access to lethal means and a more pragmatic view of death. Although, despite the conclusion that nearly all farmers who took their own life showed clear intent, suicide in male farmers has also been found to be an end point to a series of difficulties that have built up over time rather than a reaction to an immediate crisis. įarmers have been found to have lower rates of health seeking behaviour for mental illness than the general population, and suicide in farmers may be more likely to be impulsive. Four out of five farmers in Scotland under the age of 40 consider mental health to be the biggest problem facing the agricultural community. Two useful reviews have also been undertaken, focusing on north America. in Nigeria, Finland, Norway, Canada, and Australia. The problem of poor mental health in farming is not unique to UK, with reports of health issues, burnout, anxiety and depression etc. Farmers are also more likely to report thinking that life is not worth living. Farming has higher rates of suicide than the national average and other rural males, with the risk of suicide in specific agricultural roles such as crop harvesting and rearing animals almost twice the national average. In 2019-20 133 people involved in UK agriculture took their own lives (ONS). As well as work-related accidents, depression in farmers is increasing and suicide rates are the highest in any occupational group. Accessibility of content, tailoring to the farming community, and guided support are key to effective recruitment and retention.įarming, including the wider agricultural industry, has one of the highest rates of mortality of any industry, accounting for 1.5% of the British economy but 24% of all workplace deaths. Recruiting farmers into research studies is best done by meeting farmers where they are found, for example, farmers marts. Key themes (and sub-themes shown in brackets) related to the study aims were: everyday life (work-life balance isolation and loneliness) farm management (technology and social media production, people management, learning and teaching external pressures livestock and farm production financial aspects) demographics (effects of aging) engagement (appropriate wording when talking about mental health recognising need for help religion normalising mental health issues approaching the conversation) training (mental health training for supporters of the farming community health & safety and the inclusion of mental health training) and personal stories and experiences, which was an emerging theme. Twenty one telephone interviews were undertaken and analysed using the six phases of thematic analysis proposed by Braun and Clarke. A snowball approach was used to recruit interested individuals who had an association with farming. The study was informed throughout by a reference group, who assisted in co-production of the research materials. The aims of this study were to develop a deeper understanding of the farming context and target population and to engage farmers in the shaping of two potential mental health interventions that could be incorporated in a pilot RCT. There is therefore a need to understand how best to develop interventions that meet their needs. They are also a ‘hard to reach’ group who make less than average use of mental health services. Farmers and those involved in the wider agricultural industry have a high suicide rate.
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