Researchers say mental health services for rural farmers need urgent attention

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Rural mental health services need urgent attention to ensure farmers’ needs are properly met, according to the researchers.

Farmers facing worsening mental health problems suffer from what researchers call a tense “support landscape” in rural areas.

An ESRC-funded study published today in Rural Sociology He points out how the Covid-19 pandemic has increased levels of stress, anxiety, depression and suicidal feelings among the UK’s farming population. It raises concerns about what the research team calls “support landscapes,” where civil society organizations struggle to support farmers alongside primary mental health care services that are sometimes inaccessible and unsuitable for rural communities.

The research team conducted two questionnaires, which were answered by more than 200 farmers and 93 support providers across the UK, and in addition, conducted in-depth interviews with 22 mental health advocates in agriculture across Great Britain.

Farmers are essential workers, but some have been shown to suffer from poor mental health as a result of their relative physical, social and cultural isolation. By the time the pandemic hit the UK, farmers were already facing uncertainty about shifts away from the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy.

By conducting interviews and surveys with mental health cultivation advocates, including chaplains, charities, auctioneers and primary care workers, the research found that mental health services are strained in rural communities and provide uneven coverage across the country. Some healthcare settings may be inaccessible and lack an understanding of agriculture, while informal spaces of social support are being eroded by the loss of rural community. Mental health charities are struggling with funding and with the trauma of helping farmers through difficult times.

Academics are now calling on policymakers to take urgent action to help primary mental health services in rural areas and to better support civil society organizations that expand the safety net for farmers.

The research project was led by David Rose of Cranfield University, Professor of Sustainable Agricultural Systems.

He said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated problems with farmers’ mental health that we already knew existed. For example, the provision of primary mental health care in parts of the UK relies on urban delivery models that are not suited to rural communities. This leaves community organizations to struggle to bridge the support gap, but these organizations face their own struggles.

“This issue needs urgent attention to ensure that farmers get the support they need and help civil society organizations to thrive. We want the devolved governments to address this urgently and ensure support is provided for future shocks.”

Recognizing the existence of mental health problems in rural communities in the UK, by itself, is not sufficient. Our research shows that those who have worked hard on a professional level to support our farmers over the past few years face multiple challenges. The focus must therefore be on ensuring that these bodies are supported to be adaptable and sustainable in the long term, for the benefit of the communities they serve.”


Dr Caroline Nye is a Research Fellow, University of Exeter

Hannah Rees, a 26-year-old dairy farmer from Pembrokeshire in Wales, said: “It’s great that more is being done to support those who work in agriculture, but I still feel there’s still a long way to go.

“It’s important to reduce the stigma around mental health. Also, I think we need to stop taking the blanket approach that counseling is the only way to help people. Discussion groups and zoom meetings are other great ways to offer support and confront loneliness.

“I think we should see the introduction of mental health first aid training for agricultural workers.”

Stephanie Berkeley, of the Farm Safety Foundation, said: “I welcome the findings of this study and agree that urgent action is needed to support the ongoing mental health of our farmers. They work long hours every day, during global pandemics and uncertain times, to put food on our plates – but this dedication comes at a price.

“We need immediate action at government level to improve the provision of primary mental health care for those who live and work in rural communities, and we need to take the pressure off rural support groups and charities that have been relied upon to provide support to those in crisis situations.”

Co-authors on the paper are: Dr Faye Shortland (formerly University of Reading), Dr Caroline Nye (Exeter), Professor Matt Lopley (Exeter), Dr Ruth Little (formerly University of Sheffield), Dr Jelly Hall (SPSN), Dr. Paul Hurley (formerly University of Reading), and Professor David Rose (formerly Cranfield University, University of Reading).

The research was funded by the Economic and Social Research Council as part of UKRI’s rapid response to COVID-19.

As a black man born in Kenya and working in British farming, my mental health is in good shape. Despite the usual perception of prejudice by rural unexposed people, my experience in the industry has been overwhelmingly positive. However, we are still a long way from any significant change in the mindset of people to employee diversity in the industry.”


Flavian Obero, a farmer from East Sussex

Ivy Hunter, an arable farmer from Hertfordshire, said: “As wonderful as our industry is, it can be a very lonely place for some. And there are a lot of stressors that determine the success or failure of a business, most of which are out of our control – global markets, massive inflation in Input costs and of course the weather. There’s also unfortunately a stigma attached to talking about feelings, especially with men, which needs to be addressed.”

Kate Miles, of DPJ, a mental health charity supporting the farming community in Wales, said: “Over the past two years we have seen an increase in demand for our service. We know that farmers value talking to someone who understands the pressure they are facing, and that understanding is vital in their work. Mental health services. We’re seeing pockets of good work happening across the country, including in rural areas. However, this needs to be consistent no matter where you are geographically.”

Trudy Hernemann, adviser to Cornish Mutual, which provides insurance to farms, businesses and people who live and work in Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset, said: “The issues that have been raised for farmers and agricultural workers after the Covid-19 pandemic are: there is still a lot and now it is getting worse.

“After we came out of the pandemic, we had the war between Ukraine and Russia, and everyone felt the impact of the higher cost of fuel and inputs. But then farmers suffered from the vagaries of the weather as storms destroyed buildings and electricity supplies.

“Farmers find it difficult to ask for help and when they are sad they find it difficult to overcome barriers by not being able to get a doctor’s appointment. Using mental health first aid training, I and others from Farmerados (a welfare charity) go to markets and shows and bring tea and cake And a safe space to talk. We offer support or listen. It’s crucial in helping to reduce the anxiety and stress experienced by farmers and those in the farming community.”

source:

Journal reference:

Shortland, F.; et al. (2022) Landscapes for Supporting Mental Health Cultivation: Resilience in the Face of Crisis. Rural Sociology. doi.org/10.1111/soru.12414.

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