The rate of suicide amongst male farmers is far higher than the rate for the general population. The issue of poor mental health amongst many male farmers has received some public interest recently however all too quickly falls off the radar as economic and other social issues take centre stage.
This loss of focus hides the increasing rate of depression and psychological distress currently being borne by this group and yet numerous national and international papers continue to outline that this as an ongoing issue with significant consequences including extremely high rates of suicide. The link between concepts of masculinity and an historic stoic farming lifestyle has never been so clear and yet statistics cite low figures of psychological interventions.
In the meantime, farmers continue to suffer in silence, impacting not only their own health but their ability to maintain positive relationships with their partner, children and broader social networks.
Is it any surprise that younger males leave their rural homes in droves, never to return. Life on the farm has always been acknowledged as tough and no longer the preferred life for many.
Unless we can find ways to reach out to those still working in our rural towns and farms there will be no farming future. No family farm to pass on to the next generation and ultimately a huge hit to this nation’s capacity to produce basic food sourced locally.
This is no longer an isolated issue about a few struggling to cope with the relentless and overwhelming pressures. We need to ensure that those on the farm are supported and learn the best way to thrive, despite the pressures so that they and their families have a bright future.
For more information on our counselling support please visit our services page.
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