The NFU and other farming organisations are urging the farming industry to reverse the stigma around mental wellbeing as statistics released by the Health and Safety Executive today identified stress, depression and anxiety as some of the main causes of work-related ill health.

image expired

The report outlined that the overall illness rate for agricultural workers is 46% higher than the industry average, and highlighted that stress, depression and anxiety are significant causes of ill health alongside musculoskeletal disorders and lung disease.

NFU Vice President and Chairman of the Farm Safety Partnership (FSP) Stuart Roberts said: “We all know that agriculture has a poor track record when it comes to physical injuries in the workplace, and the FSP is working with the industry to reverse this. But what we have often overlooked is our mental wellbeing.

“British farmers and growers are incredibly passionate about the role they have in producing safe, traceable and affordable food for the nation. Yet the environment they work in can often leave them feeling isolated, and the stress that comes with financial pressures, outbreaks of disease, volatile weather, as well as Brexit uncertainties, can leave farmers feeling vulnerable.

“We need to start treating mental wellbeing as we would a physical injury. If you’ve pulled a muscle you rest it, if you have back pain you go and see a doctor. But first we must be able to recognise when there is a problem and we must be able to talk about it.

“The FSP has set a target of reducing fatalities on farm but to achieve this industry needs to open up. The Partnership is working to increase the conversation about mental and physical health so our minds and bodies can be kept safe in our place of work.”

Signs and symptoms of depression

Depression can often be difficult to self-diagnose, although it is possible to do so by analysing any recent changes in the way you think, feel or behave. Those close to you, in moderate to severe cases, are also more likely to recognise symptoms, and are often able to see through the 'mask' some of those living with depression wear to cover their true feelings.Axa PPP Healthcare has some advice on how to spot the signs of depression, which can be used to detect the symptoms in others as well as yourself;  hopefully helping to broach a conversation with a loved one when you think they need help.

One of the reasons why depression is so hard to overcome completely is because everyone that lives with it experiences a different combination of the symptoms listed below:

Thoughts and feelings

• Lack of self-confidence and self-esteem
• Sudden forgetfulness, concentration issues and/or indecisiveness
• Negative thinking
• View of life as pointless
• Suicidal thoughts
• Constant sense of guilt
• Sense of worthlessness
• Helplessness
• Low sex drive
• Easily agitated and/or irritated
• Numbness
• Unable to relate with others / feeling misunderstood (link to new loneliness content)
• Consistently feel low
• Isolation (link to new loneliness content)
• Numb or empty
• No interest in usual hobbies

Behaviour

• Detachment from others
• Difficulty talking to people
• Cry regularly
• Avoiding usually enjoyable activities or social events
• Self-harm
• Sleeping or eating much more or less than usual
• Increasing alcohol, tobacco or drug intake

Physical

• Sudden increase or loss of appetite
• Loss of sex drive and lack of interest in sex
• Lack of energy
• Increased feeling of aches and pains
• Constipation
• Disturbed sleep patterns
• Menstrual cycle changes in women

While it is no substitute for a consultation with your GP, an online self-assessment depression test such as this provided by the NHS can help you to work out if you may be depressed.

If you feel like you're experiencing four or more of these symptoms daily for more than two weeks, it is likely you are living with depressed mood and we recommend you visit your GP to discuss the symptoms further.

Here are some tips that may help you to manage your mood:

1. Break down tasks. Completing achievable goals will give you a sense of satisfaction.
2. Identify your mood patterns. Try to plan your day according to your mood patterns, so that the most difficult part of your day is the least demanding.
3. Keep active. Try going to the cinema, learning a new skill or join a social circle such as a book club. Being fully occupied has a positive effect on self-esteem.
4. Eat a healthy diet. Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and try to include oily fish as this has been proven to help combat depressive symptoms.
5. Exercise. Just 30 minutes 3 times a week has been proven to lift mood.
6. Any form of healthy relaxation can clear and calm the mind. Consider trying Yoga or Tai Chi.
7. Try to avoid caffeine, alcohol and nicotine. Alcohol in particular should be used with caution - it is a depressant which can worsen symptoms.
8. Be willing to change. Sometimes the way we think and live our lives is not always helpful or healthy. Think about what you could change to feel better about yourself.
9. Tackle your fears and anxieties one at a time. As you take charge you will feel more able to cope.
10. Feeling better takes time. At times, the road to recovery can feel like a roller coaster ride - two steps forward and two steps back. Being tough on yourself at this time can work against you.
11. Be responsible for yourself and put your problems into perspective. If possible help someone else. This alone can boost your feel good factor.