Mental Health is “the emotional and spiritual resilience which allows us to enjoy life and survive pain, disappointment and sadness. It is a positive sense of well-being and an underlying belief in our own, and others’, dignity and worth”
Wellbeing includes a variety of elements that have an overall impact on how you function. Within the agricultural industry there are various factors that can affect a person’s wellbeing these can include:
- Finances
- Family Issues
- Loneliness
- Farm business issues such as animal health, regulations, weather and farm accidents.
Wellbeing can be made of the following aspects:
- Physical
- Psychological
- Economic
- Social
- Environmental
Mental Health is defined by the World Health Organization as:
“a state of wellbeing in which the individual realises his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community”
Wellbeing and mental health continually alter depending on the stresses that you are experiencing.
There are some red flags that you can look out for associated with a deterioration in wellbeing and mental health.
- Isolation
- Change in personal hygiene and lack of personal care
- Extreme fatigue
- Change in mood
- Risky behaviour
- Self-harm
- Trouble concentrating
- Physical symptoms
- Social Media
- Avoiding responsibilities
These red flags can be a sign of anxiety or depression and can present themselves with the following symptoms:
Anxiety
- Disorientation
- Dizziness
- Increase in heart rate
- Nausea
- Blurred vision
- Sweating
- Difficulty breathing (panic attack)
- Dry mouth
- Feeling of fight or flight
Depression
- Low mood & self-esteem
- Poor appetite
- Disturbed sleep including early morning wakening
- Poor concentration
- Apathy
- Negative thoughts (including suicidal)
- Self-neglect
- Poor self-image
- Low energy levels
- Social withdrawal
- Psychosis
Symptoms present in different ways and can be split into four groups:
Behavioural which include disruption to daily activities, irresponsibility and substance abuse.
Physical which includes difficulty sleeping, change in appetite or weight loss / gain, fatigue, weakness, headaches and shaking/trembling.
Cognitive which are suicidal thoughts, confusion or difficulty decision making, obsessive thoughts, poor concentration and negative self-talk.
Emotional/Psychological which includes a feeling of being out of control with aspects of life, mood swings, excessive worry or fear, agitation and irritability, low self-esteem and lack of motivation.
There isn’t one trigger that causes Mental Health or Wellbeing events, it can be a build-up of issues either work, family or health related but there are organisations that are able to help, and you can contact them directly and anonymously.
Knowing where to find help and support available that can support you, both nationally and locally and having someone to talk to is the first step in dealing with stress and other issues. It is always recommend speaking with your GP if you have any health or welfare issues.
#MindYourHead: NFU ambassador Zoe Legg talks mental health – NFUonline
Easy ways to look after your mental health – NFUonline
How mental health impacts on farm safety – NFUonline
Business & Financial Support
RAD aims to improve the lives of those living and working in Derbyshire and is a member of ACRE – Action with Communities in Rural England
Based in Bakewell where they are well placed to support farmers going about their business at the Livestock Markets each week.
A rural chaplaincy in Derbyshire was first established in 2003 following the devastating foot and mouth disease outbreak in 2001.
Herefordshire Rural Hub was established in September 2004. We exist to support economic, social and environmental improvements in the farming and rural businesses of Herefordshire.
They were established to break the stigma surrounding mental health in the farming community in Herefordshire. They provide services and training to help support the community.
Operating through the Hereford Diocese and the Shropshire and Marches Methodist Circuit, Borderlands Rural Chaplains work in Herefordshire, Shropshire and Eastern Powys.
Shropshire Rural Support provides confidential support during periods of anxiety and stress, and with problems relating to their families and their businesses.
The Hub is a business support organisation which is led by farm and rural businesses across Warwickshire and Solihull.
FCN (Farm Community Network) (do not cover Shropshire, please see Shropshire Rural Support)
The Farming Community Network (FCN) is a voluntary organisation and charity that supports farmers, farming families and people in rural communities through difficult times and periods of change.
GWT provides financial grants for gamekeepers, stalkers and ghillies and their families in times of hardship, ill health and retirement.
The UK’s only charity supporting all those working with plants, trees, flowers or grass, as well as those who have retired, who dedicate their passion, time and energy to keeping Britain beautiful.
The Addington Fund story began in the worst of times. Initially set up to help farmers suffering with the consequences of classical swine fever and then the 2001 Foot and Mouth outbreak, we haven’t looked back since and are continuing to build on two decades of success.
Forage Aid coordinate the goodwill of the agricultural community to help UK farms hit by extreme weather events or Acts of God.
Agricultural Chaplains Association
The Agricultural Chaplains Association believe that through our unique calling to serve farmers and rurality in general, we should seek to serve people of all faiths and none, share good practice, provide mutual support, be an advocate for the agricultural industry, speak out against injustice throughout agriculture and society
The Farming Health Hub brings together private, public, and voluntary sectors to provide practical and accessible support to UK farming communities where they live and work. If you're interested in learning more about our work or would like to get involved, please get in touch.
RABI (Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution)
At the core of RABI’s mission is the commitment to address the individual needs of farming people. We offer one-to-one, expert support, advice and guidance, tailored to every unique circumstance. Whether it’s giving expert advice on benefits potentially available to farming people or accessing mental health support, RABI offers a beacon of hope.
Rural Community Action Nottinghamshire (RCAN)
Since 1924 Rural Community Action Nottinghamshire (RCAN) has been and continues to be instrumental in rural community and economic development. As a charitable company they are governed by a skilled, multi-disciplinary, Trustee Board made up of people with insight into and genuine commitment to rural communities.
LRSN (Lincolnshire Rural Support Network)
Their mission is to provide a lifeline to members of the agricultural and horticultural community and allied industries across Lincolnshire. By providing personalised and accessible services, LRSN aim to provide the ability of Lincolnshire’s agricultural and horticultural community to live well in the present and thrive and flourish in the future.
Addiction, Abuse and Self-harm
Gamblers Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other so that they may solve their common problem and help others do the same.
Alcoholics Anonymous, or AA, is a community of people who come together with one aim: to stay sober and help other alcoholics seeking help to stop drinking.
MindLine Trans+ is a confidential emotional, mental health support helpline for people who identify as transgender, agender, gender-fluid and non-binary. We are also here to support family members and friends and to provide signposting to other services and resources.
As a woman fleeing domestic abuse, you may want to access specialist refuge accommodation. The Helpline can help you find a refuge vacancy for you and your children; call us for more information.
We’re here to support men experiencing domestic abuse. If you want to talk to someone, you can speak to our friendly and professional advisors on the phone, by email or on webchat. No pressure, no judgement, just help.
A suicide prevention resource packed full of useful information and tools to help you stay safe in crisis
Accredited confidential, anonymous and free support, information and signposting to men anywhere in the UK.
A free online community here to support everyone with their mental health
Tool to enhance current state of mind and provide proactive strategies for personal mental health development
Brings local, national, peer, community, charity, private and NHS mental health support and services together in one place
Emotional support for students in distress. Nightlines are confidential, anonymous, non-judgemental, non-directive and non-advisory support services run by students for students.
PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide is the UK charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide and the promotion of positive mental health and emotional wellbeing in young people.
Our trained and experienced team of staff and volunteers are here to provide emotional support by phone, email and text, 365 days a year. You can also share experiences with others in our online peer-led forum. If you’re struggling with mental illness, or you’re caring for someone and would like to get in touch, we’re here for you.
Rethink Advice and Information Service: offers practical help on issues such as the Mental Health Act, community care, welfare benefits, debt, criminal justice and carers rights. They also offer general help on living with mental illness, medication, care and treatment.
Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies)
They are an independent registered charity working throughout the UK to address the attitudes and behaviours to risk-taking and poor mental health in the next generation of farmers (under 40yrs).
We’re here every day and night of the year for anyone struggling to cope. We make sure people have somewhere to turn and support when they need it most. We work with communities to let people know we’re here for them and we campaign to make suicide prevention a priority.
Shout is the UK’s first and only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging service for anyone who is struggling to cope. Help with a range of issues from depression and suicidal thoughts to relationship problems and anxiety.
Working across England and Wales by making mental health an everyday priority. By standing up to the injustices – in healthcare, in work, in law – which make life harder for those of us with mental health problems.
Anxiety UK was formed in 1970, since those early beginnings, we’ve grown to become a national organisation with an international reach, whilst retaining a user-led ethos – being run by and for those with anxiety. Many of our small staff team have their own lived experience and understand the distress, isolation and misery that anxiety can cause.
No Panic is a registered charity that helps and supports those living with Panic Attacks, Phobias, Obsessive Compulsive Disorders and other related anxiety disorders. We also provides support for the carers of people who suffer from anxiety disorders.
Health Issues and available support
Whether you're looking for diabetes information, or just someone to talk to – we are here to help you. Our incredible supporters help us to provide our helpline, local support groups, Type 1 events, online Learning Zone, and even insurance - to name just a few.
If you have questions about your heart health or want reliable information about managing a condition, we're here to help.
Their specialist nurses, known as Admiral Nurses, provide free, expert advice, support and understanding to help families care for their loved ones.
From symptoms and treatments to accessing care and support, MS Society have booklets and factsheets available with information and tips for living well with MS
Whether you have been diagnosed with MND or you know someone who has, our services can make a real difference to how you cope in the future.
ADHD UK was founded in 2020 with a mission to help those affected by ADHD – either those that have the condition or people close to them: family, friends, employers, and co-workers.
We run Talk and Support groups, both online and in person, our groups help you to meet others affected by epilepsy. They also have communities on Discord and HealthUnlocked where people share their epilepsy experiences.
In-depth advice about autism and the challenges autistic people and their families face. Topics including what is autism, diagnosis, communication, mental health, education and more.
If you or your loved one are concerned about prostate cancer or a prostate problem, we’re here for you. Talk through any questions or concerns with our Specialist Nurses
Whether you’re worried about money or need help managing your Parkinson’s, we’re here to help you find the right support. Specialist advisers can provide information about any aspects of living with Parkinson’s. This includes advice and support on accessing health services or benefits.
We are here to make sure that everyone approaching the end-of-lie or living with grief can access the support they need. We cannot make life’s most difficult moments easy, but we can carry some of the load.
We’re here to help everyone with cancer live life as fully as they can. Whether you need help paying bills, advice on benefits or treatment, or just want to chat. Find out about the different ways we can help.
Bereavement and age-related services
Cruse Bereavement Care is the leading national charity for bereaved people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
You can talk to us about anything. No problem is too big or too small. Call us on 0800 1111 or chat to us online.
Our free, confidential, national phone service is open 8am-7pm, 365 days a year for older people, their families, friends, carers and professionals. Whatever the worry, we’re here to offer support.
Loneliness Awareness and the Marmalade Trust
Marmalade Companions started as a response to the Covid crisis and has evolved into a broader response to support those in our communities who are the most socially isolated, and who experience chronic loneliness (feeling lonely all or most of the time).
WAY is the only national charity in the UK for people aged 50 or under when their partner died. It’s a peer-to-peer support group operating with a network of volunteers who have been bereaved at a young age themselves, so they understand exactly what other members are going through.
Sands is here to support anyone affected by pregnancy loss and the death of a baby to offer understanding and comfort. Every day, we work to improve the care, discover why babies are dying and reduce inequalities in healthcare.
Child Bereavement UK helps families to rebuild their lives when a child grieves or when a child dies. We support children and young people (up to the age of 25) when someone important to them has died or is not expected to live, and parents and the wider family when a baby or child of any age dies or is dying.
The National Bereavement Service team comes from a variety of professional backgrounds, such as the NHS, legal, estate agency, business and funeral services and is committed to providing experienced information and advice to bereaved people. We aim to empower people who have experienced the death of someone close, whatever the relationship between them, to handle all the practical and legal administration needed after someone has died while also supporting them through the emotional turmoil of grief.