Mental Health Support for Farmers during Covid-19
While many farmers are used to working in isolation, a crisis like the Covid-19 pandemic can challenge the situation even further, leaving some completely cut off.
In normal times it can be difficult to ensure that the mental health of those farmers is supported as access to services can lay behind barriers such as stigma, cost, availability of service, time or distance.
However, a pandemic like the Covid-19 crisis can challenge farmers even further with social or professional outlets off the farm cut off altogether.
There is also the overall economic impact of such a crisis in already testing times. Being one of the critical industries, it is important that those within are looking after themselves while continuing to work.
Support Services for Farmers
Mental Health Ireland
Mental Health Ireland along with Teagasc and the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) have partnered to co-host and co-deliver information and resources to you.
Their aim is to support you and your family ‘farm’ your way through the challenges being posed by Covid-19. They will look at some practical evidence-based ways to support personal and business resilience.
In This Together
Here you will find lots of advice and tips on how you can look after your mental wellbeing, stay active and stay connected.
In This Together draws together a huge range of activities that you can pursue in your home or your locality, by yourself or with family members or with friends online. There are ideas and activities for people of all ages. Some people might find this time more worrying than others and may need some extra support on the phone or online.
HSE Mental Health Services
Following the HSE [Health Service Executive] mental health guidelines is important by doing such things as keeping informed about the crisis and maintaining healthy routines around diet, exercise, sleep, and alcohol consumption.
Keep in contact with family and friends – and professional services where necessary – online and support the young and old.
Continue to practice the guidelines around social distancing and hand washing.
Stay Up To Date
IFA UPDATES | COVID-19
Stay up-to-date with IFA supports and guidance during Covid-19 pandemic.
Farming for Nature
Follow the very informative Farming for Nature webinars here.
Agriland
Agriland regularly posts articles supporting farmers and their mental health.
TherapyHub.ie was set up to help those who have faced barriers to traditional face-to-face therapy such as location; time constraints; not being able to find a therapist who was a good fit for their needs; and also the stigma of seeking help.
They want to make therapy accessible for everyone. Those looking for therapy can find out a little more about their counsellor, psychotherapist or psychologist; communicate with them; check their availability; make bookings; process payments easily; and arrange live online sessions, all from the comfort of their own home.
In addition to this, they are involved in an initiative with ‘A Lust For Life’ and Niall Breslin, where counsellors and therapists can sign up to offer free psychological First Aid to those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
