07 October 2024
Webinar: Maintaining Positive Mental Health and Wellbeing in Farming
World Mental Health Day takes place on Thursday, October 10th. In advance of this, Teagasc is hosting a webinar titled “Maintaining Positive Mental Health and Wellbeing in Farming” on Wednesday, October 9th, from 4pm to 5pm. The webinar will also address farm safety issues linked to mental health.
The webinar will be chaired by Mr. Francis Bligh, Teagasc Health and Safety Specialist. Speaking ahead of the event, Mr. Bligh said:
“Maintaining positive mental health and wellbeing can be challenging at times. It is vital that we have access to information, practical strategies, and resources to help us, as farmers, build resilience and know how and where to seek help when needed.”
Research from the Farmers Have Hearts: Cardiovascular Health Programme found that 13.5% of the 868 farmers surveyed reported stress, based on a validated scale (Van Doorn et al., 2023).
Further research conducted by Dublin City University found that nearly one in four farmers (24%) reported burnout, while half (50%) had sleep-related issues. Being fatigued or feeling “below par” can lead to poor decision-making and make farm work feel overwhelming.
Irish studies using validated surveys indicate that farmers have poorer wellbeing compared to the general population, with approximately twice the rate of “likely depression” (6% vs. 3%).
Farmers’ mental health can be impacted by various factors, including weather conditions, climate change, market prices, and financial pressures.
This webinar will give participants a chance to reflect on how farmers can manage their mental and physical health, and it will provide practical tips along the way.
Webinar Speakers
- Mick O’Dea, Farmer and Haulier
Mick will share his personal journey with mental health and discuss the strategies he uses to maintain his wellbeing. He will also highlight the importance of staying connected to support groups. - Dr. Diana van Doorn, Research Officer, Teagasc
Dr. van Doorn will explore the connections between occupational stress and wellbeing, as identified in the Farmers Have Hearts – Cardiovascular Health Programme. - Ms. Finola Colgan, Development Officer, Mental Health Ireland, and Dr. John McNamara, Teagasc
Will present information, resources, and supports available to help farmers maintain positive mental health.
A Q&A session, chaired by Mr. Francis Bligh, will follow the presentations.
This public webinar is free of charge, and those with an interest in mental health within the farming community are warmly invited to attend.