Dissertation “Why is mental health such a taboo subject in the agricultural community?”

[NikkiMoo]

I’m currently in my third year of my agricultural degree and am doing my dissertation research on "Why is mental health such a taboo subject in the agricultural community?” A link below takes you to a survey - it comprises of 6 multiple choice questions, is anonymous and takes less than a minute to complete. I am hoping to get lots of responses and provide my insight to mental heath charities to help farmers get the best help they need. I have had responses so far!

When people experience poor mental health their thinking, actions, behaviour, mood and daily activities can be affected. Mental health issues are much more common than many think with “one in four people expected to experience mental illness in their lifetime.” This is reinforced by the fact that “More than one farmer a week in the UK dies by suicide.” Having been in a very low place myself and being unable to see any way out I am extremely passionate about raising awareness and getting people to talk. My dissertation is exploring the origins of mental health, gender and the taboo, support available and the impact social media has.

Mental health is not something that can be cured at a click of a finger, however, I hope that speaking out, starting a conversation and completing research will not only help others, but will also help myself tackle the challenge mental health throws at me daily.

Why is mental health such a taboo subject in the agricultural community? Survey

Web survey powered by SurveyMonkey.com. Create your own online survey now with SurveyMonkey's expert certified FREE templates.

www.surveymonkey.co.uk

 

[Muddyroads]

Done

 

[Bury the Trash]

Done it

 

[spin cycle]

done.....i also started the next one til it asked me if i was republican or democrat

 

[Bury the Trash]

There was a second part oh well....

 

[CharcoalWally]

I’m currently in my third year of my agricultural degree and am doing my dissertation research on "Why is mental health such a taboo subject in the agricultural community?” A link below takes you to a survey - it comprises of 6 multiple choice questions, is anonymous and takes less than a minute to complete. I am hoping to get lots of responses and provide my insight to mental heath charities to help farmers get the best help they need. I have had responses so far!

When people experience poor mental health their thinking, actions, behaviour, mood and daily activities can be affected. Mental health issues are much more common than many think with “one in four people expected to experience mental illness in their lifetime.” This is reinforced by the fact that “More than one farmer a week in the UK dies by suicide.” Having been in a very low place myself and being unable to see any way out I am extremely passionate about raising awareness and getting people to talk. My dissertation is exploring the origins of mental health, gender and the taboo, support available and the impact social media has.

Mental health is not something that can be cured at a click of a finger, however, I hope that speaking out, starting a conversation and completing research will not only help others, but will also help myself tackle the challenge mental health throws at me daily.

Why is mental health such a taboo subject in the agricultural community? Survey

Web survey powered by SurveyMonkey.com. Create your own online survey now with SurveyMonkey's expert certified FREE templates.

www.surveymonkey.co.uk

There is a thoroughly comprehensive thread runs all the time on this very forum, where members are free to discuss and air whatever is on their mind. Think of it as a self help group for mental issues . It's certainly not a taboo subject on here, and we can only hope that people get help and some inspiration if possible.

 

[Blod]

I’m not so sure it is any more taboo in Agriculture than other sectors. As with all walks of life there are varying levels of awareness. Have a look at Focussed Farmers - Holly Beckett has been providing a great service and I’m sure would respond to you if you approached her.

 

[glasshouse]

I’m currently in my third year of my agricultural degree and am doing my dissertation research on "Why is mental health such a taboo subject in the agricultural community?” A link below takes you to a survey - it comprises of 6 multiple choice questions, is anonymous and takes less than a minute to complete. I am hoping to get lots of responses and provide my insight to mental heath charities to help farmers get the best help they need. I have had responses so far!

When people experience poor mental health their thinking, actions, behaviour, mood and daily activities can be affected. Mental health issues are much more common than many think with “one in four people expected to experience mental illness in their lifetime.” This is reinforced by the fact that “More than one farmer a week in the UK dies by suicide.” Having been in a very low place myself and being unable to see any way out I am extremely passionate about raising awareness and getting people to talk. My dissertation is exploring the origins of mental health, gender and the taboo, support available and the impact social media has.

Mental health is not something that can be cured at a click of a finger, however, I hope that speaking out, starting a conversation and completing research will not only help others, but will also help myself tackle the challenge mental health throws at me daily.

Why is mental health such a taboo subject in the agricultural community? Survey

Web survey powered by SurveyMonkey.com. Create your own online survey now with SurveyMonkey's expert certified FREE templates.

www.surveymonkey.co.uk

Because your neighbours and "friends" are also your competitors for your land.
The slightest sign of weakness and they will be knocking on the land agents door and crawling up the owners backside.

 

[milkloss]

It’s not just in ag. Having known a couple of people that suffer from depression I have seen their friends just fade away.
A big chunk of the population just don’t have time for people that are ill, especially mentally.

 

[lazy farmer]

It’s not just in ag. Having known a couple of people that suffer from depression I have seen their friends just fade away.
A big chunk of the population just don’t have time for people that are ill, especially mentally.

It’s probably more they don’t know how to help.

 

[lazy farmer]

Have done the survey. I found it too basic to give any real insight ?

 

[Farmer Roy]

I didn’t think it was a taboo subject in agriculture - not in Australia at least . . .

 

[DrWazzock]

Not really a taboo subject in this area. Even back in the 1950's we had such problems here amongst friends and neighbours according to father. Usually discussed openly and people rallied round as they do today, thankfully, though the help from the authorities was pretty basic and experimental such as asylums and electric shock treatment. Nobody is ever seen as a lesser person for experiencing such illness or buckling at times. We all know the pressures that can arise and any of us can succumb to them if we aren't careful.

 

[kfpben]

Survey was a bit odd.

I don’t think mental health is taboo but similarly generally rural people want to keep their mental or physical health issues private. As @glasshouse mentioned your neighbours can be your competitors. Staff may also be nervous if working for a farmer with mental health issues.

Although clearly some people have serious mental health issues and need help it does seem that everyone seems to want to emphasise their problems at the moment. It’s far too easy to turn a chat about a tough time into wallowing in self pity. It may be a controversial view but I do feel that sometimes the conversation on mental health has gone a bit far.

 

[Zippy768]

I dont think it is really any more of a taboo subject in agri than any other walk in life. That taboo is definitely getting smaller.

As said earlier, there is a thread on here about the subject. Its filled with nothing but supportive words for people who may need it

 

[Agrivator]

The survey was exceptionally short and didn't seem to provide any useful information whatsoever.