The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Money worries among issues stressing farmers
Study: Loneliness and stigma over getting help also factors, say academics
Financial pressures, lone working and a poor worklife balance are key factors affecting the wellbeing of farmers, a new study claims.
Researchers from Robert Gordon University’s (RGU) School of Health Sciences and NHS Grampian have been working with farmers to find out more about their experiences of mental wellbeing, to work on plans for an intervention service.
Professor Kay Cooper, who led the study, said interviews highlighted financial concerns and aspects of the farming lifestyle, such as loneliness and isolation, were negatively affecting the mental state of farmers.
“Levels of stress in the industry are thought to be increasing,” she said.
“Throughout some interviews we learnt more about the personal experiences of mental ill health and at times the use of unhelpful coping mechanisms.
“Some had reached out for support from the Royal Scottish Agricultural
Benevolent Institution (RSABI) and most farmers interviewed were aware of some of the more general campaigns about mental health and wellbeing.
“However, it was clear that there is still some stigma associated with admitting to problems with mental wellbeing.”
The research findings were presented at the inaugural NFU Scotland (NFUS) North-East Mental Health Conference in Inverurie last night.
NFUS regional manager Lorna Paterson said she hoped the study would help farmers understand they are not alone and to reach out for help with mental health issues.
She added: “Similarly, we would hope that the industry and governments realise farmers are struggling with all the pressures of form filling, copious inspections, red tape and financial losses due to lack of fairness in the food chain.
“These factors all serve to increase stress levels and for some farmers it feels like there is no hope and their mental wellbeing falls into a very dark place.”