Today, we are focusing on what you can do for yourself.
As an industry we need to remember that there is no shame, no stigma but there is and should be more support for those struggling with their mental health.
Shame is very real for some farmers – many struggle to admit when they’re in trouble. They don’t want to fail where previous generations have succeeded. So, when they ask for help, it’s often very late down the line.
We need to encourage those living and working in farming to take not leave it until it’s too late… to take early action to support their own mental health, and to support friends and family who may struggling. One familiar face who understands this challenge is Adam Henson who, back in October, teamed up with Team Doctor to launch Keeping on Track – a farmer’s wellbeing podcast.
Series One of the podcast launched on all major streaming platforms and, in the 15 twenty-minute episodes, explored the various mental health challenges that many farmers face but often don’t talk about and importantly about the coping techniques that farmers use to deal with challenging times and where to turn for help.
Having lost a close friend to suicide himself and learning about the troubling statistics around mental health issues in the farming community, Adam felt strongly compelled to do his bit to support those whose lives and livelihoods depend on the land.
He explains: “I have lived on a farm and been involved in farming all my life. As anyone working in farming knows, every day brings potential joy and disaster – you never quite know what is going to happen and there are many things you can’t control.”
Series Two is currently in production and, as this is an ongoing issue, Adam is hoping that this second series will continue to help break down that stigma, banish that shame and signpost support for those who need it.
If you missed it, Keeping on Track is still available wherever you get your podcasts or CLICK HERE
