09 July 2024
Positive mental health guidance for the farming community
A recently published leaflet ‘Sowing Seeds of Support: Positive Mental Health Guidance for the Farming Community’ aims to raise awareness about mental health issues in farming.
Produced by Teagasc and Mental Health Ireland, it explores a number of practical coping strategies to manage stress reduction, places an emphasis on the importance of self-care, community connections and seeking professional help when needed.
Farming can be challenging due to issues such as drought, fodder shortage and associated financial issues. There are many issues in farming that can cause stress and associated ill health and injury. Research shows a high satisfaction and quality of life associated with countryside living. Individual circumstances can arise however which lead to stress.
The ‘Total Health Model’ indicates that, safety, health and mental health are inter-related and these components need to be promoted holistically.
Managing your health and safety needs to be considered as a core part of farming. This means both identifying and implementing key actions to maintain both safety and health.
The leaflet defines stress, examines stress in a farming context, and offers recommended coping strategies. The ‘five ways to wellbeing’, along with helpful support options are also outlined.