The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Farmers are encouraged to talk at mental health event
NFUS hosts first event in bid to help tackle stress in sector
The need to seek help and advice was the key message emerging from NFU Scotland’s first mental health conference organised by the union’s north-east region at Inverurie.
The packed audience of more than 100 were told by health experts that farmers and those working in the agricultural industry facing stress or mental health problems should not be afraid to share their worries and concerns.
The meeting heard harrowing but ultimately uplifting stories from both speakers and members of the audience who were willing to share their experiences and how they had coped with their problems.
One member of the audience related how he had attempted suicide 10 years ago after falling out with the rest of his family and as a result felt shunned by all his friends.
“It was only when I attended my father’s funeral – uninvited by the family – that I found I still had many friends and I’ve never looked back,” he said.
Kintore farmer Kevin Gilbert talked frankly about his own experience 30 years ago when, after taking his degree in agriculture and working for a short time on farms in England, he had to come home to manage the family’s 1,000-acre Womblehill farm and large pig herd, along with his mother, at the age of 22 following the death of his father.
He admits to his struggle to manage such a large farming business and being prescribed anti-depressants by his doctor.
The problem was compounded by the collapse of pig prices in the late 1990s and the EU ban on sow stalls.
The family were forced to invest in a new £450,000 pig unit when Tesco refused to buy pigs from herds still using stalls.
“I had to face weekly calls from the bank manager asking if the pig price was improving and reminding me that I didn’t have enough security as the new pig unit had, in his opinion, no market value,” Mr Gilbert said.
With some help from his doctor, a counsellor and a psychiatrist, Mr Gilbert managed to control what he described as his “negative thoughts” but is still prescribed anti-depressants at times.
Farmers and crofters have been told to be vigilant for signs of suicidal thoughts among colleagues and to make it their business to tackle mental health issues.
The plea by Jim Hume, National Rural Mental Health Forum convener, came at the first NFU Scotland north-east mental health conference in Inverurie.
“There has since been a real awakening to the effects of poor mental health and the damage it can do to the farming and wider rural sector in recent years,” said Mr Hume.
“There are signs we can all look out for in our family, friend and farming circles; such as changes in someone’s behaviour, becoming anxious, having mood swings, having more problems with work and saying negative things about themselves.”
Mr Hume, a former hill farmer and MSP, urged people to be open and honest about mental health issues.
“If you believe that there is a threat to life, then remember that not everyone who thinks about suicide will tell someone, look for signs,” he added.
“Tell the person why you’re worried about them, and ask if they’ve thought about suicide. Listening is one of the most helpful things you can do.
“Help them access professional support and remember to take care of yourself and discuss your feelings with a friend or a support service, as it can affect you when you help others. Share the load.”