A Senator is urging farmers to pay attention to their mental health at one of the busiest times of the year for agriculture as they face additional pressures due to Covid-19 restrictions and Brexit.
Dairy farmer and Fine Gael Senator Tim Lombard said: “Farming can be a very isolating job at the best of times. But long days spent alone on the land can usually counter balanced by socialising with friends, meeting up with extended family and other leisure outlets like team sports.”
Senator Lombard explained that many farmers are not seeing anyone from one day to the next and everyone is suffering from lockdown fatigue at the moment.
“Another big factor affecting farmers is the terrible weather and dark nights and mornings, which can really make working outdoors all the more difficult,” he added.
Research has shown that there is a 50 per cent chance of a farmer struggling with mental health problems throughout their career.
“I am appealing to all farmers to keep an eye on their mental health. There is nothing wrong in seeking help; it is in fact a sign of strength and courage to be able to reach out during a time of need.
“A usually stressful time of solitary work has been exacerbated by the stress we are all feeling about the global pandemic, and the usual social outlets of a pint with friends, a chat with family or a game of football aren’t an option.”
Senator Lombard suggested farmers could contact their GP if they are not feeling like themselves or pick up the phone to a friend, family member or another farmer.
“This latest lockdown has been mentally bruising and is taking its toll on all of us. Sleepless nights of calving and lambing, long days alone on the land in appalling weather conditions and financial worries about Brexit are only adding to the burden.
“It’s ok not to be ok. Don’t suffer in silence and seek help if at all necessary,” Senator Lombard concluded.
LSL News.