Farming goes on regardless of the weather
Down here in Devon, like all rural communities farming goes on despite the weather and Coronavirus. Farming can be a solitary, lonely occupation at the best of times.
Several issues contribute to depression and anxiety among farmers and their employees. Serious weather events such as snowfall and floods can drastically impact a season’s yield, which can increase worry over finances exponentially. The day-to-day management of these conditions can also weigh heavily on those responsible for handling them.
Agricultural workers are rated as 46 percent more likely than those in other industries to endure illness overall. That means their risk of physical illness, especially lung disease and musculoskeletal disorders, is higher than it is for other workers, which can also contribute to stress and anxiety.
In addition, many farm jobs are incredibly solitary – and those doing them can go for days or even weeks without interacting with other people. This type of isolation is often correlated with depression, and the United Kingdom’s Farm Safety Foundation research suggests that many agricultural workers report struggling with this issue.
A recent survey conducted by the organisation found that over 80 percent of farmers under the age of 40 believe poor mental health is the biggest hidden problem that they and their peers are facing today. In Ireland, a 2019 survey by Empathy Research and AgriLand reported that 57 percent and 46 percent were impacted by anxiety and depression to some degree respectively.
So next time you see a farmer smile or wave, even if he seems like a grumpy old guy.
Farming goes on regardless of the weather
Down here in Devon, like all rural communities farming goes on despite the weather and Coronavirus. Farming can be a solitary, lonely occupation at the best of times.
Several issues contribute to depression and anxiety among farmers and their employees. Serious weather events such as snowfall and floods can drastically impact a season’s yield, which can increase worry over finances exponentially. The day-to-day management of these conditions can also weigh heavily on those responsible for handling them.
Agricultural workers are rated as 46 percent more likely than those in other industries to endure illness overall. That means their risk of physical illness, especially lung disease and musculoskeletal disorders, is higher than it is for other workers, which can also contribute to stress and anxiety.
In addition, many farm jobs are incredibly solitary – and those doing them can go for days or even weeks without interacting with other people. This type of isolation is often correlated with depression, and the United Kingdom’s Farm Safety Foundation research suggests that many agricultural workers report struggling with this issue.
A recent survey conducted by the organisation found that over 80 percent of farmers under the age of 40 believe poor mental health is the biggest hidden problem that they and their peers are facing today. In Ireland, a 2019 survey by Empathy Research and AgriLand reported that 57 percent and 46 percent were impacted by anxiety and depression to some degree respectively.
So next time you see a farmer smile or wave, even if he seems like a grumpy old guy.