While reports vary on the extent of mental ill-health in UK agriculture, research highlights a unique set of factors that contribute to the issue. It’s also likely that existing studies underestimate the true scale, as farmers can be a hard-to-reach group, and those experiencing depression may be less inclined to participate.

Changes within the farming industry have led to larger, fewer farms, which has fragmented rural communities and reduced the sense of belonging—a key protective factor against depression. The isolation caused by this shift has only been exacerbated by COVID-19 restrictions. With fewer visitors to farms, early signs of mental ill-health often go unnoticed, leaving individuals without the support they need.

Factors influencing mental health 

  • Financial difficulties
  • Policy changes and paperwork
  • Poor work-life balance
  • Poor physical health
  • Traumatic events
  • Community pressure
  • Negative public perception

Community support for well being can be particularly effective as farmers trust other farmers to understand their issues.


Ritchie supports Farmstrong

‘To farm and croft well, you need to live well….’

With over 150 years of experience providing agricultural products, RITCHIE has stood alongside farmers and crofters. Through the highs and lows of the industry. We understand the dedication it takes to keep farms running. We’re deeply committed to supporting not just the work farmers do, but also their wellbeing and mental health.

Having had the pleasure of meeting many members of the Farmstrong team at events like AgriScot, we’re proud to support this fantastic initiative. Farmstrong plays a vital role in helping farmers, crofters, and their families navigate the challenges of farming and crofting. We’re delighted to stand behind their efforts.

Who are Farmstrong?

Many challenges we face in farming are hard to predict or control. They range from climate events like drought and flood to fluctuations in commodity prices, changing government legislation and new technology.

Along with these external factors, come the demands of running any business – financial and production planning, managing cash flow, hiring and managing staff, succession planning etc. These pressures aren’t going to disappear so it’s vital that farmers develop the skills and resilience to cope.

Research shows many farmers and crofters are great at looking after their equipment and livestock, but, like many others, they can neglect their own wellbeing. As an industry, we can’t afford to let these pressures reach the point where they damage productivity and affect the lives of families.

Farmstrong Scotland is an initiative to help farmers, crofters and their families to cope with the ups and downs of farming and crofting by sharing things they can do to look after themselves and the people in their business.

It is a peer-to-peer led programme, driven by scientific information and real-life stories, so together we can share, learn and support our wellbeing. 

Taken from Farmstrong – https://www.farmstrongscotland.org.uk/about-us

If you are concerned about yourself or someone else, talk to someone. Contact your doctor, RSABI (24 hours): 0808 123 4555, Breathing Space: 0800 838 587 or Samaritans (24 hours): 116 123

Having met the team at Farmstrong we can confidently say the team is a great source of support. Pop over to the website to read real life stories and find support via videos, podcasts, webinars and a range of resources.