Farming consistently has one of the highest rates of suicide amongst all occupations.
Despite a greater awareness of mental health within the industry, the sad truth is that more than one farmer a week takes their own life in the UK.
In wider society, it is thought that any one suicide has a significant impact on 8 other people. Within farming, because of the close-knit nature of our working and social lives, the impact is far wider reaching, devastating whole communities.
As more awareness is raised about the subject, the “stiff upper lip” mentality that has been entrenched in farming for generations is slowly diminishing and people are beginning to open up and talk about how they are really feeling. But the fact that the numbers of those taking their own life are not decreasing shows that much more needs to be done to tackle this issue.
When it comes to farming, it is very easy to underestimate just how important the mind is. Along with the body, it is, without doubt, the most important bit of kit a farmer can have. If the mind is not well maintained, the consequences can be disastrous – not just to the farmer, but to the farm business and the farm household too.
Survivors of bereavement by suicide:
- Suicide bereavement can be different to other types of bereavement, the process can often be longer and more complicated.
- Survivors of bereavement by suicide provide support and information on coping with grief from suicide.
- Helpline – 0300 111 5065, open 9am to 9pm Monday to Friday.
- Find a support group near you, click here.
