Minding yourself this Winter

Roisin Scully, KT Masters Student, Teagasc Ballinrobe

The main cause of poor mental health is stress, and working in agriculture at present is a taxing profession due to influences such as record high input costs, severe labour shortages and the recent unfavourable weather affecting crop yields and animal performance, all factors that are outside of farmer’s control. A recent UCD study revealed almost one quarter of Irish farmers are at risk of suicide and over half have poor mental health status. These worrying results show people of all ages are affected.

As we approach the dark winter days it is important to remember to look after your mental health and wellbeing as well as physical health. Farmers will be under pressure to get jobs completed in daylight hours but will often find themselves working late into the evening after darkness has descended. Alternatively, some farmers may find the work day shortened and have more free time in the evenings with nothing to do. Many agricultural shows are over for the year and work in the fields is paused until the spring.

It is important to know how to identify stress then learn how to cope with it. Not only will eating healthy and physical exercise help your body but it is also good for your mind. A good night’s sleep is crucially important.  If you feel overwhelmed it may be time to take time out and try to avoid the source of the stress. This can be difficult with farming being a lifestyle rather than just a job, but, it may be useful to regularly organise a day or an evening to do something you enjoy with family or friends.

Staying connected is another release. A problem shared is a problem halved. Often talking through your worries can make them seem smaller and you will find you are not the only one with the same problem or feelings. Agriculture can be an isolated occupation but something as simple as a phone call with a friend can make your day, and theirs.

If you feel it’s needed, talking with a professional will also help.  You can visit your local GP to access mental health professionals, or contact them directly. There are also plenty of helplines available such as Samaritans and AWARE.  More recently Mental Health Ireland, IFA and Teagasc have teamed up to set up a farming resilience page with support networks being offered nationwide. More information can be found at www.mentalhealthireland.ie/your-mental-health/farming-resilience. There you will also find the telephone helpline number +353 761113533 and the 24/7 text service: 50808.

Getting involved in the local community can be a great social outlet. Macra na Feirme are always looking for new members and have monthly meetings at club and county level during the week and plenty of activities during the weekend. GAA and other sports teams welcome players, volunteers and of course supporters, with many active now through the winter months also. There are also plenty of Ag-themed talks and webinars available over the winter months which can be used to meet people or learn something new.  

For people who do not suffer with their own mental health, reaching out to friends and neighbours can help those who do. A call or a quick visit to check-in could be the only social contact someone might have all week.

Journaling has gained a lot of attention on social media lately and there is definitely a place for it in agriculture too. Whether to keep track of what needs to be done on the farm, and prioritising jobs, or to write down times you feel overwhelmed and get something off your chest. Much the same as talking to someone, seeing a problem written down makes it seem smaller already. It can be a way to remember what you did to feel better in the moment.

Considering this is something that affects more than half of our farmers, awareness around the issue needs to be increased and more conversations had around how to help.