Washington [US]Dec 9 (ANI): According to studies, mental health services in rural regions require immediate attention to ensure that farmers’ needs are met.
Farmers facing worsening mental health problems are experiencing what researchers call a tense “support landscape” in rural areas.
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An ESRC-funded study published today in Sociologia Ruralis indicates how the Covid-19 pandemic led to 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”, with civil society organizations fighting to support farmers alongside primary mental health services that are sometimes inaccessible and not adequately tailored to communities. rural.
The research team conducted two surveys responded to by over 200 farmers and 93 support providers across the UK, and additionally conducted in-depth interviews with 22 agricultural mental health advocates in Britain.
Farmers are essential workers, but some have been shown to suffer from mental health problems as a result of being relatively physically, socially and culturally isolated. By the time the pandemic hit the UK, farmers were already facing great uncertainty around transitions out of the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy.
By interviewing and surveying supporters of agricultural mental health, including chaplains, charities, auction market staff and primary healthcare, the research found that mental health services are overburdened in rural communities and They provide uneven coverage across the country. Some healthcare settings may be inaccessible and lack understanding of agriculture, while informal spaces for social support are eroding due to the loss of rural community. Mental health charities are struggling with funding and the trauma of helping farmers through difficult times.
Academics are now calling on lawmakers to take urgent action to help test primary mental health services in rural areas and better support civil society organizations expanding the safety net for farmers.
The research project was led by David Rose, Professor of Sustainable Farming Systems at Cranfield University.
He said: “The Covid-19 pandemic 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 is based on urban delivery models that they are not suited to rural communities.This leaves civil society organizations struggling to fill the support gap, but these organizations face struggles of their own.
“This issue requires urgent attention to ensure farmers get the support they need and help civil society organizations flourish. We want decentralized governments to address this urgently and ensure support is in place for future crises.”
Dr Caroline Nye, a researcher at the University of Exeter, said: “Recognizing that mental health problems exist in UK rural communities is not enough on its own. Our research shows that those who have been working hard at a professional level for “Supporting our farmers in recent years faces multiple challenges. Therefore, the focus must be on ensuring that these agencies are supported to be both adaptable and sustainable in the long term, for the benefit of the communities they serve.”
Hannah Rees, a 26-year-old dairy farmer from Pembrokeshire in Wales, said: “It’s great that more is being done to support those in farming, but I still feel there’s a long way to go.
“It’s important to reduce the stigma attached to mental health. Also, I think we need to stop taking a blanket approach that counseling is the only way to help people. Focus groups and zoom meetings are other great ways to provide support and counter loneliness.
“I think we should see the introduction of mental health first aid training for those who work in agriculture.”
Stephanie Berkeley, from the Farm Safety Foundation, said: “I welcome the findings of this study and agree that urgent action is needed to support the continued mental health of our farmers. They work long hours every day, through global pandemics. and uncertain times 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 must take the pressure off rural support groups and charities that have been trusted to deliver. support to those who are in crisis situations.
Co-authors on the paper were: Dr Faye Shortland (formerly University of Reading), Dr Caroline Nye (Exeter), Professor Matt Lobley (Exeter), Dr Ruth Little (formerly University of Sheffield), Dr Jilly Hall (SPSN) , Dr Paul Hurley (formerly University of Reading) and Professor David Rose (Cranfield University, formerly University of Reading).
The research was funded by the Economic and Social Research Council as part of UKRI’s rapid response to COVID-19.
Flavian Obiero, a farmer from East Sussex, said: “As a Kenyan-born black man in British farming, my mental health is in good shape. Despite the usual perception of bias from underexposed people in the countryside, my experience in the industry has been largely positive. That being said, we are still a long way from any significant shift in people’s mindsets towards workforce diversity in the industry.”
Eveey Hunter, a crop farmer from Hertfordshire, said: “As wonderful as our industry is, it can be a very lonely and isolating place for some. There are many stressors that determine success or failure in business, most of them all of which are out of our control: global markets, huge inflation of input costs, and of course the weather.Unfortunately, there is also a stigma attached to talking about feelings, mainly with men, which is something we must be addressed.”
Kate Miles, from the DPJ Foundation, a mental health charity supporting the Welsh farming community, said: “Over the last two years, we have seen an increase in demand for our service. We know farmers value talking to someone who understands the pressure they face, and this understanding is vital in mental health services. We see pockets of good work across the country, even in rural areas. However, this needs to be consistent no matter where you are geographically.”
Trudy Herniman, adviser to Cornish Mutual, which provides insurance to farms, businesses and people living and working in Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset, said: “The issues raised for farmers and those working in agriculture after the pandemic of Covid-19 are still very much there and now even more exacerbated.
“After the pandemic, we had the war between Ukraine and Russia, everyone felt the effect on fuel and increases in input costs. But farmers then experienced volatility in the weather as storms damaged buildings and electricity supplies.
“Farmers find it difficult to ask for help and when in distress find it difficult to overcome the barriers of not being able to get a doctor’s appointment. Using my mental health first aid training, myself and others at Farmerados (a non-profit organization welfare) go to markets and shows and bring tea and cakes and a safe space to talk. We offer support or a listening ear. It’s crucial to help reduce anxiety and stress experienced by farmers and the farming community.” (AND ME)
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