New figures reveal unprecedented link between poor mental health and farm safety

Prevalent

Former National Federation of Young Farmers (NFYFC) chairwoman Milly Fyfe opened up about her struggles with loneliness, something which is prevalent within the farming community, where many people live and work remotely.

She said: “I started to feel lonely after having my second child as he suffered with silent reflux, which meant he was constantly in pain and struggled to sleep unless he was close to me – this made it difficult for me to socialise and I struggled with sleep deprivation.

“I felt isolated as my husband was busy with lambing followed by silage and haymaking and I had little support.”

Mrs Fyfe said seeking support on online forums alongside help from friends and families was key to her recovery.

Combating

Ms Berkeley agreed one of the most effective methods of combating the stigma surrounding mental health within rural communities was ‘talking about it’, which she said was central to the campaign.

CLA deputy president Mark Tufnell said farmers were renowned for the care they give to their livestock and the attention they give their crops, but ’now is the time for us to better take care of ourselves’.

NFU vice-president Stuart Roberts added: "As a community we can do more to look out for one another and reach out to provide support to our family and friends who might otherwise suffer in silence."