Poor weather and recession combine to see more farmers suffer depression

Farmers are increasingly suffering from depression and in some cases suicidal thoughts due to the devastating impact the recession and ongoing weather problems have caused to the industry.

The Irish Farmers’ Association revealed the situation after warning that the mental health of a growing number of its members is at “crisis point”.

The group’s national farm family chair, Margaret Healy, told the Irish Examiner the IFA has witnessed the full depth of the problem after organising local stress help meetings across the country for farmers and families in need.