North East farmers urged to open up about mental health
The Mind Your Head campaign has launched
North East, Teesside and North Yorkshire farmers are being urged to open up about their mental health - as rising prices put a huge strain on those working in the industry.
The "mind your head" campaign launches today which encourages people to seek support if they're struggling.
Rebecca Wilson is farmer in North Yorkshire and says it's important to shine a light on the pressure they're under: "The challenges are becoming even more difficult to deal with, particularly on the financial side, the wheat price for us is consistently falling and it is not currently going to cover the cost of production."
She says it can be difficult to reach out: "Farming businesses are often family farming businesses, it's really hard to unburden to an Uncle, a Dad, a Grandpa because you don't want to trouble them with what you are worried about."
But she says it's really important to speak to someone: "That somebody could be friends or family but if that is difficult there are so many charities out there which can support you and ultimately your GP is a perfect place to go if you are really at crisis point as well."
Lizzie McLaughlin is from Middlesbrough and works with farmers and she said: "I want to show that you're not alone, there are routes out there, there are people you can talk to and it's not a sign of weakness. It's a sign of strength.
"I've had many conversations whether it'd actually be on the farm with people, I've helped out and I've maybe had points where my OCD's really flared up or I've had really bad anxiety. Sparking these conversations has really made an impact.
"Hopefully by getting the message out there, people will take the next steps whether that be a conversation with a friend, they might ask the right questions over a cup of tea, they might listen to a podcast or they might go the next step and go down therapy, so yeah having these conversations are really, really important.
"The next generation are definitely more open that we found through podcasts, through conversations and through social media. They're very open about talking about things that are going on with them, about their mental health, about what they're doing for their mental wellbeing but I don't think we can fall off the track. I think we need to keep on it as a conversation."
Recent study about poor mental health
A recent study by leading rural charity the Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies) revealed that poor mental health among farmers and agricultural workers is of growing concern. In a sample of 450 farmers under the age of 40, respondents almost universally (95%) agreed that poor mental health is the biggest hidden problem facing the industry today.
In addition, the research showed a very clear relationship between average working hours and mental health (as measured by WEMWBS). Those with shorter working hours demonstrated higher levels of mental wellbeing. 61% of farmers surveyed work at least a 10-hour day, 15% working a 14- or 15-hour day with many rarely or never taking a day off. This is something that is giving charities like the Farm Safety Foundation real cause for concern.
This week, the charity will be focusing on the issue through its seventh annual Mind Your Head campaign. The campaign will continue to raise awareness of the various challenges facing the UK’s farming industry, break down the stigma attached to poor mental health in the farming sector, but recognise that there are steps being taken to address it.
Stephanie Berkeley, Manager of the Farm Safety Foundation said: “Mind Your Head launched in 2018 when concerns about Brexit, policies, administration and legislation were causing increased anxiety in the industry. Fast forward seven years and the campaign has grown and is now recognised by 67% of farmers in the UK. Mental health is always a sensitive subject but it’s something that is thankfully growing in importance and profile. The answer to the question “who cares?” is everyone – and everyone should.
"Agriculture is a proud and hardworking industry and vital to the UK economy. Far from being downtrodden, the UK’s farmers are resilient and resourceful and committed to finding ways to tackle any challenge they face. Over the years we’ve been encouraged by the growing numbers of farm businesses and organisations wanting to learn more about how to help their workers and suppliers as well the incredible individuals taking steps to improve their mental wellbeing and, in this year’s campaign, we will be highlighting them and hopefully inspiring many more to do the same.”