Farmers in the East urged to watch out for each others mental health
Many think poor mental health is the industry's biggest hidden problem
Farmers across the East are being encouraged to reflect and take stock on their mental health before things start getting busy again this year.
The Farm Safety Foundation has launched their fifth annual 'mind your head' campaign to show action is being taken to break down these barriers in the industry.
Its recent research found that over 90% of those in the industry under 40, thought poor mental health was the sectors biggest hidden problem - that's a 6% jump on the figures recorded in 2020.
Stephanie Berkeley is the groups manager, she told us that the issue is more important than ever and the current numbers unfortunately don't surprise her: "We know that 2020 and 2021 have been incredibly challenging for the industry.
"There has been extreme weather conditions, poor harvest, supply chain shortages and the global pandemic. But through all this farming has endured as it always does, but what's the cost of that?
"It's an industry that has so many unique stresses, things that affect them that don't effect everyone else. Things like, international trade agreements, the weather and poor harvests- things that are completely out of their control.
"But also, it has the poorest safety record of any occupation in the UK."
She concluded by saying we need to change how we look at the issue: "Experiences can't be neatly packaged and labelled as healthy or unhealthy.
"So there's different parts of the spectrum and they require different levels and types of support. In the industry we are very lucky, we have rural support charities and people that are out there like the farming community network and the Royal Agricultural benevolent fund."
You can find out more about where support is available on the Farm Safety Foundation website.