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.

She said exact figures for those in need are not available from the meetings, which were part-organised by the National Office for Suicide Prevention.

However, Ms Healy stressed the serious personal issues stem from the deepening problems caused by the direct impact of the economic crisis and ongoing weather difficulties facing the industry.

“The weather this summer is putting so many people under such pressure, and it’s across every section of farming,” Ms Healy said.

“Just when dairy, silage, and other sections were getting back on their feet, even in a small way, this weather has just completely knocked them back.

“The stigma of depression and suicidal thoughts is still there. It’s particularly in rural areas because of the isolation, and the feeling everything is disappearing from rural communities.

“But the meetings we are organising are letting people know they can talk about things that are affecting them,” Ms Healy added.

The IFA comments come on the back of one of the worst spring and summer periods for Irish farmers in recent years, coupled with the ongoing economic difficulties which are continuing to cause havoc across the country.

They are supported by a recently published report on suicide by Teagasc and University College Dublin which found that men are three times more likely to die by suicide in rural areas than women.

The document said limited job opportunities and marginal farming were contributing to the problems facing communities that are becoming increasingly isolated.

In addition, difficulty in accessing health services and dependency on social welfare added to the issues being faced.

Similar findings have previously been identified in studies of male suicidal behaviour in rural Australia, Scotland, and the US.

Separate research conducted by the CSO, which was released last month, also indicated that Ireland’s suicide rate last year was 14 times higher than the national murder rate for the same period.

This is despite the fact violent attacks (37) consistently receive more coverage than deaths officially registered as suicides (525).

* www.ifa.ie

* HSE farm and rural stress helpline: 1800 742645 (6pm-10pm daily).

* HSE South suicide prevention helpline: 1800 742745 (6pm-10pm daily).