Cultivating Resilience: Unearthing Mental Health Challenges Among Scottish Farmers

1. Introduction

Farming in Scotland presents unique stressors and mental health challenges for those who dedicate their lives to it. The unpredictable Scottish weather, financial pressures, and rural isolation can take a toll on the well-being of farmers, who often work long hours in demanding conditions. These stressors, coupled with the uncertainty brought about by changing agricultural policies and the complexities of navigating bureaucratic regulations, can exacerbate mental health issues in the farming community. Research and anecdotal evidence suggest that farmers in Scotland are at a higher risk of mental health issues compared to the general population. Additionally mental health issues among Scottish farmers are likely underreported due to factors such as stigma, limited access to mental health services in rural areas, and reluctance to seek help

• A survey by the Farm Safety Foundation in 2018 found that 81% of young farmers in the UK believed that mental health was the most significant hidden issue faced by farmers
• Research by the University of Exeter in 2020 found that 58% of farmers in the UK met the criteria for mild to severe anxiety, while 44% met the criteria for mild to severe depression
• A 2019 report from the UK Parliament’s Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, found one agricultural worker in the UK dies by suicide each week
• A 2016 study published in the journal “Occupational Medicine” found that the risk of suicide among farmers was 1.48 times higher than the national average for other occupations

1. Isolation and loneliness: Farming can be a solitary profession, with farmers often working alone for long hours. This can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, which may contribute to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
2. Financial stress: Agriculture is subject to fluctuations in market prices, weather conditions, and government policies, all of which can create financial uncertainty for farmers. Financial stress can be a major contributor to poor mental health.
3. Work-life balance: Farming can be a demanding profession, with long hours, physical labor, and limited time off. This can make it challenging for farmers to find a balance between work and personal life, potentially leading to stress, burnout, and mental health issues.
4. Climate and weather-related stress: Scottish farmers may be particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, including unpredictable weather patterns, which can have significant impacts on crop yields and livestock. This unpredictability can cause stress and anxiety.
5. Access to mental health services: Rural areas often have limited access to mental health care services. This can make it more difficult for farmers to seek help and support when they need it.
6. Stigma surrounding mental health: There can be a stigma associated with mental health issues in some rural communities. This may make it difficult for farmers to openly discuss their mental health struggles or seek support from friends, family, or professionals.
7. Intergenerational pressures: Family-run farms can be subject to expectations and pressures from previous generations. This can create additional stress for farmers who may feel the weight of their family’s legacy.
8. Physical health: The physical demands of farming can take a toll on a farmer’s body, leading to chronic pain or injury. Physical health issues can contribute to poor mental health as well.

Farmers in Scotland can adopt various strategies to improve and maintain their mental health. Some of these strategies include:

1. Building social connections: Farmers can make efforts to engage with their local community, join farmer networks, or participate in agricultural or social events to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.
2. Seeking professional help: It is essential for farmers to seek help from mental health professionals if they are struggling with their mental health. This may include counselling, therapy, or medication as appropriate.
3. Peer support groups: Joining or creating a peer support group can help farmers share experiences and coping strategies with others facing similar challenges. This can provide a valuable source of emotional support and understanding.
4. Establishing a work-life balance: Farmers should prioritise setting aside time for leisure activities, hobbies, and relaxation to ensure they have a healthy balance between work and personal life. This may include taking regular breaks, setting boundaries, and delegating tasks where possible.
5. Mindfulness and stress management: Practicing mindfulness techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing, or progressive muscle relaxation, can help farmers manage stress and maintain mental well-being.
6. Physical health: Maintaining good physical health is crucial for overall well-being. Farmers should prioritise regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep to support their mental health.
7. Financial planning and management: Developing a solid financial plan, seeking advice from financial advisors, and accessing government support programs can help farmers manage financial stress and uncertainty.
8. Education and training: Engaging in ongoing education and training can help farmers adapt to changing agricultural practices and technology, reducing the stress associated with uncertainty and the fear of being left behind.
9. Encouraging open dialogue: Farmers should work towards creating a culture of openness and support around mental health issues, both within their families and in their communities. This can help reduce stigma and make it easier for people to seek help when needed.
10. Accessing available resources: There are various resources, organisations, and initiatives aimed at supporting farmers’ mental health. Familiarising themselves with these resources and accessing them as needed can provide valuable support and assistance.

By adopting these strategies and promoting a culture of mental health awareness and support, farmers in Scotland can work towards better mental health outcomes for themselves and their communities.

Several mental health resources and organisations are available to farmers in Scotland, offering various support services such as helplines, counselling, and information. Some of these resources include:

1. RSABI (Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution): RSABI is a charity that provides financial assistance, emotional support, and practical help to people involved in Scottish agriculture. They also operate a helpline for emotional support. Website: https://www.rsabi.org.uk/ Helpline: 0300 111 4166
2. NFU Scotland: The National Farmers Union Scotland offers advice on mental health and well-being and provides information on various support resources available to farmers. Website: https://www.nfus.org.uk/

3. SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health): SAMH is a mental health charity that works to support people affected by mental health problems across Scotland. They offer various services, including counselling, support groups, and advocacy. Website: https://www.samh.org.uk/

4. Breathing Space: This is a confidential helpline for people experiencing low mood, depression, or anxiety. It provides a safe space to talk and receive support. Website: https://breathingspace.scot/ Helpline: 0800 83 85 87
5. The Farming Community Network (FCN): Although not specific to Scotland, FCN is a UK-based organisation that supports farmers and their families. They offer a helpline and a network of volunteers who provide pastoral and practical support to farming families in need. Website: https://fcn.org.uk/ Helpline: 03000 111 999
6. The Rural Wellbeing Directory: The directory, developed by Support in Mind Scotland, provides information on various services and resources available to support mental health and well-being in rural areas across Scotland. Website: https://www.ruralwellbeing.org/

7. Mind Your Head: This is a campaign by the Yellow Wellies organisation that aims to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues in agriculture. They offer resources and information on mental health for farmers. Website: https://www.yellowwellies.org/mind-your-head/


While these resources are tailored for farmers in Scotland, it is essential to remember that general mental health resources and organisations, such as the NHS, can also provide valuable support and services.

Farmers, like any other professionals, can benefit from participating in a mental health awareness course for several reasons:

1. Understanding mental health: A mental health awareness course can provide farmers with a basic understanding of mental health issues, including their symptoms, causes, and potential impacts on daily life. This knowledge can help farmers identify and address mental health concerns in themselves and others.
2. Reducing stigma: Mental health awareness courses can help challenge misconceptions and break down the stigma surrounding mental health issues, particularly in rural communities where such stigma may be more prevalent.
3. Early intervention: By increasing their knowledge about mental health, farmers can learn to recognise the early signs of mental health issues and seek help in a timely manner, potentially preventing more severe problems from developing.
4. Supporting others: Farmers equipped with mental health knowledge are better prepared to offer support and understanding to family members, friends, or colleagues who may be struggling with mental health issues. They can also contribute to creating a more supportive and empathetic community.
5. Enhancing well-being and resilience: Mental health awareness courses often provide strategies for managing stress, maintaining work-life balance, and promoting overall well-being. These skills can help farmers build resilience and better cope with the challenges of their profession.
6. Improving productivity and safety: By addressing mental health concerns, farmers can improve their focus, decision-making, and overall productivity. Additionally, good mental health can help enhance safety on the farm, as farmers are less likely to be involved in accidents caused by fatigue or impaired judgment.
7. Promoting a positive work environment: When farmers prioritise mental health, they contribute to creating a more positive work environment, which can lead to increased job satisfaction, reduced turnover, and stronger interpersonal relationships.

Mental health awareness courses can provide valuable knowledge and skills that can help farmers better understand, address, and support mental health concerns within their community and workplace. By participating in such courses, farmers can contribute to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment that fosters good mental health for themselves and others. Scottish Mental Health First Aid (SMHFA) is a training program developed in Scotland to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge to provide initial support to someone experiencing mental health problems or who is in a mental health crisis. The goal of SMHFA is to promote early intervention, reduce stigma, and increase awareness of mental health issues in the community. Green Ribbons has developed a tailored SMHFA course for Farming Staff, addressing some of the unique issues in the sector, based on  the personal experience of family members who work within the industry. You can out more at our page on: Scottish Mental Health First Aid for Farming.

Farmers in Scotland face unique mental health challenges due to the nature of their profession and environment, such as isolation, financial stress, and climate-related stressors. To address these challenges, it is crucial for farmers to adopt strategies that promote mental well-being, including fostering social connections, seeking professional help, maintaining a work-life balance, and engaging in stress management practices.

Furthermore, participating in mental health awareness courses can provide farmers with invaluable knowledge to better understand and address mental health concerns within their community and workplace. By doing so, they contribute to breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health issues, supporting early intervention, and fostering a more positive and supportive work environment.

Several mental health resources and organisations are available to farmers in Scotland, offering support services such as helplines, counselling, and information. By utilising these resources and prioritising mental health, farmers can work towards better mental health outcomes for themselves, their families, and their communities, while also enhancing their productivity, safety, and overall well-being.