Margaret Healy, Chairwoman of IFA Farm Family & Social Affairs Committee; Simon Coveney TD,  Minister for Agriculture, Marine & Food; John Saunders, CEO of See Change and Kathleen Lynch TD, Minister of State with responsibility for Mental Health.

The Minister for Agriculture, Simon Coveney joined Kathleen Lynch, Minister of State with responisibility for Mental Health, and the IFA to launch Let's Talk: Dealing with Stress, a helpful resource for farmers on dealing with the particular pressures of farm life and seeking help and support.  Read more.

Anyone may experience a mental health problem at some time in their lives - many of us are frightened of the idea of mental health problems.  The various diagnostic titles such as psychosis, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and depression are seen as life long labels, which mark the person as different from the rest of society.

A recent study by See Change into mental health attitudes revealed that while 94% of people in Ireland feel that mental health problems can effect anyone, 1 in 2 people would not want anyone to know if they had a mental health problem.  In a survey of farmers:

- 57% said they would not want others to know if they had ill mental health.

- 45% would not know what to do to help someone with mental health issues.

- 27% would delay seeking help in fear of someone finding out about it.

IFA is one of the many organisations involved in See Change, who aim to bring real change in the attitudes towards mental health problems.  To read more, visit their website.   

Please be aware that is it very important that the person suffering with mental health goes to his/her GP and discusses the matter with them.  Below are some contact numbers for organisations that offer help and support.

Farmers face increasing challenges with the economic recession, increased regulations, unpredictable weather, isolation and long working hours. Learn how to recognise symptoms of stress, identify the causes and take steps to reduce and manage it.  By doing these three things you will improve your quality of life and make your farm a safer place. 

National Office for Suicide Prevention

See Change

Where there's silence, there's stigma.  Let's talk.....  See Change's My Ripple campaign - listen to real stories from people who have experienced mental health problems.

Useful numbers and information on organisations