My Mental Health Journey
Andrew Bonham
Machinery Sales Specialist
My Mental Health Journey
Hi, my name is Andrew Bonham. I am a sales specialist with Meath Farm Machinery and from a sheep farm in Co. Westmeath. I’m sharing my journey on my mental health, the struggles I faced, the friends I lost to the same difficulties, the skills I have learned through therapy and in the hope of helping someone else out there who was like me.
Your health matters to us, and we want to hear from you!
Please take a few minutes to complete our Mental Health Survey.
From the Experts
Mental Health Advice
Practical Mental Health Tips for Farmers
The UCD Agri Mental Health team is a group of Agricultural Scientists and Psychologists researchers who have come together to work on evidence-based practice in the area of mental health and well-being within the farming community. We understand that farming is more than a profession but is a way of life and while it can be a very rewarding job, it also has its unique challenges. Our aim is to provide research and training which is embedded in evidence on supporting the farming community in the area of mental well-being through raising awareness, advancing research and promoting resilience.
Our projects funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, HSE National Office for Suicide Prevention, FBD Trust look to develop evidence-based interventions to support farmers who have challenges around mental health. One area that the UCD Agri mental health team has highlighted is the concept known as ‘psychological flexibility’ which could have major benefits for reducing stress, anxiety and low mood in farmers. Psychological flexibility means the ability to remain connected with the present moment amidst all our life stressors while making decisions that align with personal values and goals e.g. an outdoor career, working with animals living in the country for our lives and farms. Some ways in which farmers can cultivate psychological flexibility is:
- Focus on the “now”, take a moment to reflect on what you are doing e.g notice the land or livestock around you
- Notice your thoughts as just thoughts
- Be curious about your feelings, they are normal and come and go
- Think about your purpose, what really matters to you as a farmer.
If you want some more information on the UCD Agri mental health group, follow us on social media or on our website www.ucd.ie/agrimentalhealth
The Personal Value Of Looking After Your Mental Health
Taking care of your mental health is essential because it not only ensures wellbeing and safety on the farm but also helps manage the ups and downs of daily life.
It is well established that farming is a demanding profession, requiring by necessity on a seasonal basis long hours, physical labour and financial uncertainty. Undoubtedly these challenges can impact on both mental and physical health. The focus in this piece is on mental health both positive and negative.
There are many definitions and insights around mental health beyond the scope of this article. A core aspect of good mental health is positive emotional wellbeing. This encompasses how a person thinks, feel, and behave in relation to their work and personal lives. Good mental health leads to better focus, decision-making, and overall productivity on the farm. A clear and focused mind ensures maintaining farm safety protocols, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.
Positive mental health in farming is reflected in a farmer’s ability to be resilient, effectively coping effectively with the stresses and challenges of farming, such as weather changes, market fluctuations, and long working hours, to name but a few. Most importantly it also fosters healthy relationships with family friends, and the farming community, providing a support network.
Farmer’s wellbeing is enhanced by feeling sense of satisfaction and fulfilment from their work, contributing to overall happiness and life satisfaction.
On the negative side however, poor mental health in farming can be brought about by high levels of stress leading to anxiety and other mental health challenges such as depression. Continuous physical and emotional exhaustion can lead to burnout, reducing productivity and increasing the risk of mistakes. Poor mental health can impair judgment and concentration, leading to accidents and unsafe practices on the farm.
Farmers are more than familiar with the necessity for healthy soil, healthy crops, healthy animals, it is also every bit as important to place value on having a healthy mind and a healthy body.
Further Information Teagasc Sowing Seeds of Support: Positive Mental Health Guidance for the Farming Community free to download www.teagasc.ie
FARMRes Farmers Assistance Resources for Mental Resilience is an Erasmus project on mental health in agriculture. Finola represented Ireland though Mental Health Ireland on the project consortium.
Visit FARMRes.eu https://app. farmres.eu/ to access the E-Learning training platform and app free to download and contains a personal quality of life survey and five ways to wellbeing (www.mentalhelathireland.ie)
Finola Colgan, Development Officer Mental Health Ireland, finola@mentalhalthireland.ie 086 835 3387
Helpful Information
Resources
Mental Health Supports
Pieta House
If you are having depressive thoughts, contact Pieta house. Call 1800 247 247 or text ‘Help’ to 51444
Samaritans
There is someone available 24/7 to answer your call or Text 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.ie
Mental Health Ireland
Visit mentalhealthireland.ie
Aware Ireland
Call 1800 80 48 48 for depression & bipolar support.
Spunout
Text “Hello” to 50808 to chat with a trained volunteer.
Your Mental Health
1800 111 888
Community Supports
Men’s Sheds Association Contact to get involved in a group of like minded people https://menssheds.ie/
Irish Country Women’s Association Fill out the sign up form to get involved in a group which offers support and friendship www.ica.ie/join/
Irish Farmers’ Association Contact the IFA through their website IFA.ie to get involved, for support, or to get advice.
Irish Creamery Milk Supplier’s Association Contact the ICMSA to join and gain access to support and representation in the industry.
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