Daniel McCullough’s Post

Given the day that's in it #WorldSuicidePreventionDay, I wanted to share some preliminary findings from a recent study I was involved in as part of my MSc in Psychological Science at University College Dublin This research explored the mental health and suicide risk among a sample of 457 Irish farmers. The findings from this study revealed that 22.8% of participants were found to be at risk of suicide. The study highlighted the significant impact of farm-specific stressors on mental health, showing a strong link between farm stress and higher levels of suicidal ideation and psychological distress. In addition to this finding, over half of the participants who took part in the study reported losing a family member or friend to suicide. While these results are undoubtedly concerning, they also emphasize the critical role of social support from family and friends, which emerged as a key protective factor against suicidal thoughts. Personally, having lived experience of suicide bereavement, I understand more than most the importance of community and social support when times are hard. So, from a practical perspective, I would say reach out, connect, and don't be afraid to talk about suicide. If you would like to read more about this research check out this article https://lnkd.in/e_Zww5ZM. #WSPD #WSPD24 HUGG Pieta Embrace FARMHSE National Office for Suicide Prevention Louise McHugh Dr Alison Stapleton

Recently RABI released the findings of The Big Farming Survey, a national research project, which revealed that 34% of men in agriculture admitted they suffered from anxiety or depression, and 54% of women experience stress or anxiety within farming. As we interact with farmers on a daily basis, we enlisted the support of RABI to help identify signs of depression or stress in farmers, and to learn how to start sensitive conversations about their mental health. We undertook a full day’s mental health training run by RABI, an initiative which was spearheaded by Corinne Cooper, who leads our insurance operations in Northallerton. Corinne Cooper said: “Farming can be a very lonely occupation, especially when you’re out at all hours, and we are keen to encourage more farmers to open up about their feelings and get the conversation going to remove the stigma attached to mental health. “Receiving this mental health training will benefit our rural clients who feel isolated and unable to talk to their loved ones, and will ensure we can help them get the help they need to look after their mental, and physical, wellbeing.” RABI Senior Regional Manager, Sally Conner, said: “Typically, farmers feel isolated but don’t open up about their mental health struggles. We want them to know that it is ok to open up and talk about how they are feeling. “What often gets overlooked is that women within a farming family take on a lot of stress as they often look after the household and business admin, but they feel like they’ve got nobody to turn to as they don’t want to pile extra worries on their partner and family." Read the full article here https://lnkd.in/eu4yuHVx #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #farminguk Lauren Grimshaw MCIOF(Cert). Growing Well Cumbria RSABI

Farming is a tough profession. From the long hours and backbreaking work to the isolation and stress of running a farming business in an incredibly challenging climate, the toll on the individual farmer can be brutal. Tragically, farmers are at a much higher risk of suicide than any other profession. Despite this, conversations about mental health are still far too rare and there is still a stigma associated with asking for help. This can make it extremely difficult for many to speak out and seek much-needed support. This World Mental Health Day we thought it was important to cast a spotlight on those who continue to feed us all, carrying a heavy burden alone. Let's break the stigma and start having conversations that matter - just a simple chat and asking if someone is OK can make a world of difference. Coming together to support our farmers shouldn't just happen on one day a year - lets all work towards building a more compassionate and resilient farming community the year round.   #WorldMentalHealthDay #MentalHealthMatters #SupportOurFarmers #UKfarming #FarmLife

Today is #WorldMentalHealthDay so we wanted to highlight the importance of mental health in the countryside community. Research shows that farmers are at an increased risk of mental ill health and suicide. A Farmers Weekly survey found that "On average farmers work a 65-hour week – far exceeding the UK national average of 37 hours. Some growers and livestock producers work in excess of 100 hours, according to the study – with many rarely taking a day off, let alone an annual holiday." it truly is a way of life and while it is incredibly rewarding it can also be very lonely and isolating which can lead to stress, anxiety and depression. It is often difficult to take the first step and reach out for support but the wonderful #rabicharity #fcn  and #CALM (as well as many others) offer free and confidential help and support via their telephone and e-support help lines to anyone who is looking for help or just needs to talk. #MentalHealthAwarenessDay happens every year, and it's the big opportunity for the whole of the UK to come together to focus on getting good #mentalhealth - aiming to tackle stigma and help people understand and prioritise their and others' mental health. Nobody needs to feel alone ... 0800 188 444 & don't be afraid to start a conversation #itsgoodtotalk https://lnkd.in/eVaG_FEK #farming #nfu #britishfarmers #mentalhealthsupport #britishfarming #landagents #mentalhealthmatters #workplacementalhealth

We all know farming is tough work. Farmers deal with many forces that are out of their control: the fluctuating economy, rising input costs, variable markets & pricing, labor challenges, increased regulation, fickle consumers, scrutinizing community members, & more. It is not easy to be a farmer these days. And the stats are showing us that farmers are more than 3.5x more likely to die from suicide than the general population. In the last 20 years, the suicide rate has grown 46% in rural areas, according to the CDC. Let’s team up as a greater agricultural community to learn & watch out for the warning signs of chronic stress or mental health decline, as described by the American Farm Bureau: - Change in routine or social activities - Increase in farm accidents - Decline in care of domestic animals or self - Decline in farmstead appearance - Increase in illness & chronic health conditions - Decreased interest in the community or hobbies one once enjoyed - Sleep disturbances & changes in mood such as anger, exhaustion, withdrawal, bitterness - Difficulty making decisions Learn how to help: - Listen to what they are going through, knowing that you don't need to have all the answers. - Check in on them more often, encourage talking or doing something they enjoy - Share some resources relevant to what they are dealing with. Visit https://lnkd.in/gyq93ig7 for more resources about how to end mental health stigma & to support those in our community struggling from mental health conditions. - Understand the warning signs of chronic stress & suicidal intent, as described by the National Institute of Mental Health: https://lnkd.in/gE-Cm6Qb - If in crisis, call 988 for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline.

As #MentalHealthMonth draws to an end, join us in recognizing the unique mental health challenges faced by those who work in agriculture. Higher rates of stress, depression and suicide are unfortunately common in this community. That's why we're sharing valuable resources from the American Farm Bureau Federation. Find tips on identifying at-risk individuals, steps to assist someone in emotional pain, strategies to cope with stress and much more through the link below. Together, let's break the stigma surrounding mental health and cultivate a culture of support and understanding. #MentalHealthAwareness #FarmLife #SelfCare https://lnkd.in/g3AAB_3t

Farming is stressful. In fact, it's one of the most stressful jobs according to the Mental Health Commission of Canada, and an estimated 225 million farmers worldwide struggle with their mental health. A new initiative is here to help support farmers, growers, and ranchers in BC with their mental health and wellbeing: the AgLife Network. AgLife is a suicide prevention and mental health awareness initiative, in partnership between AgSafe and CMHA BC, with generous support by the IAF, BC Government, and Government of Canada. It creates a community of Connectors to identify when someone might be struggling and help them access local supports. Learn more about how the AgLife Network is supporting BC farmers and agricultural workers: AgLife.ca Read the release: https://buff.ly/3WhG9jL #MentalHealth #MentalHealthMatters #BCAgriculture

Farming can be mentally taxing, but farmers should not have to struggle in silence. Having conversations regarding mental wellness is easier said than done. That being said, a study conducted by American Farm Bureau Federation found that 75% of rural adults said it is important to reduce the stigma of mental health in the agriculture community. At Farm Bureau, we are committed to embracing sustainable solutions for a stronger tomorrow - and that starts with the mental and physical wellbeing of our farmers. It was my pleasure to join Ty Higgins and Sheridan Wimmer in sharing what Ohio, Kansas and Wisconsin Farm Bureaus are doing to raise awareness of rural mental health challenges and support farmers in our states during AFBF’s Comms Con last week. These continued conversations amongst our peers not only give us valuable tools to take home to our states, but improve the narrative of mental health awareness in the process. Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation is proud to spearhead the #FarmNeighborsCare campaign, which asks rural residents to have face-to-face conversations with farmers and agribusiness leaders. For some, that one moment of conversation may be the dose of positivity to help them make it through a difficult day. Small gestures have a big impact, and relationships are a positive tool for coping with stress. In fact, they are a lifeline for those struggling with depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts or substance abuse. This mental health month, take a moment to check in on your friends, family and neighbors to gauge how they are doing. Afterall: a healthy farm is nothing without a healthy farmer. For more rural mental health resources, please visit https://lnkd.in/gEuBmcrB.

This heartbreaking stat sheds light on the immense pressures and challenges they endure. Share your thoughts below! But amidst the darkness, there is hope. We're on the verge of bringing forth solutions to support mental health and well-being within the farming community. Stay tuned for how we're making a difference. . . . . #farmntrade #agrobusiness #digitalfarmmarketplace #agrorevolution #farmapp #AgroMarketplace #FarmingRevolution #AgriculturalSuccess #TradeSmart #DidYouKnow #CommentDown