Essex farmers could be facing poor mental health, research shows
Charities say mental health in the industry has been "deteriorating" over the past few years
Poor mental health is the biggest problem facing young farmers across the UK, according to new research from one rural charity.
From The Farm Safety Foundation's survey of 450 farmers below the age of 40, nearly all of respondents (94%) said poor mental health ranked as the number one problem.
The charity revealed that mental wellbeing in young farmers has been deteriorating for the past three years, which is having a direct impact on farm safety.
This week its campaign 'Mind Your Head', bringing together 300 farming organisations and charities across the UK, will break down the stigma around mental health in the farming sector, and recognise the pressure some rural workers are under.
"People would rather hide their problems"
George York farms beef and wheat in the village of Fobbing in South Essex. He told Greatest Hits Radio his thoughts on why farmers find it hard to talk openly about mental health.
"Mental health within an industry like farming is always going to be thrust to the rear.
"Farming is unfortunately quite an old school industry. There are lots of people who are trying to bring it a little more into the 21st century, but people, on the whole, would rather hide their problems than actually talk about them and get help for them."
"There's lots of romanticism associated with farming"
He added: "There's a lot of romanticism associated with farming, but trust me when you're actually on the ground doing it, it's quite different.
"I do enjoy these parts of my day (spending time outside on the land), but when I'm walking around down here, I'm actually on the phone the whole time.
"Dealing with the aspects of actually running a business.
"And it can be a very difficult business and very lonely at times."
George adds that a combination of factors out of the industries control such as the pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and bird flu, have also put added pressure on the profession.
"Having other farms to speak to does really help"
But he's acknowledged there are people out there to talk to: "Definitely speaking about these things and having other farmers to speak to does really help.
"From a personal perspective, I find that the kind of community of farmers that I've managed to find via social media, specifically Instagram, have been very beneficial.
"People you can pick up the phone to and have a proper chat and just let some of the stresses get out of the way."
George concluded: "Everyday, I try and make sure I allow myself an hour to walk the farm and just think.
"I've found it's really helps and I'd like to hope maybe it'll help other people too."