Viewers have applauded the BBC for tackling the topic of mental health in the farming industry after a short film was aired on Monday night.
Poor mental health is emerging as one of the biggest, yet unspoken challenges in the British farming industry.
BBC analysis of the latest figures show that about one agricultural worker a week takes their own life across the UK.
The eight-minute long segment, which featured on BBC News at Ten on Monday night (15 April), showed farmers and their families across the UK battling mental health issues.
"I nearly did something stupid... the only thing that stopped me was the thought of Jonathan"
— The Nine (@BBCScotNine) April 15, 2019
Allan and his son Jonathan are farmers in Ayrshire and both have struggled with their mental health. Poor mental health is emerging as the biggest challenge facing farmers. #TheNine pic.twitter.com/8tl6CoXcGx
Ayrshire dairy farmer Jonathan McCamley, 22, spoke of his battle with mental health. He told the programme that his life is currently in 'turmoil'.
The young farmer spoke of financial difficulties after a milk price crash and his parents' divorce, factors which have taken a toll on his mental health.
"To be truthfully honest, I think that too many people go and lift meat off the shelf or milk off the shelf and they never think about where it came from," he said.
He said that people don't know what 'heartache or stress' went into making such products.
Farmers on social media praised the programme. One farmer called it 'very moving', and urged everyone in the industry to watch and share as widely as possible.
Very moving short film. All farmers watch and share as widely as possible. Help is available.
— Thomas Bradshaw (@ProagriLtd) April 16, 2019
BBC News - Farmers struggling with mental health https://t.co/1m5dVLOjWt
Your health is your wealth - great to see BBC covering the issue of good mental health in the farming community and for Ayrshire farmers Jonathan and Allan speaking so openly about the challenges they have both faced. Please watch at: https://t.co/NoRRRNqLpQ
— NFU Scotland (@NFUStweets) April 16, 2019
There’s no words to explain just how important this is...#mentalhealth affects absolutely everybody in every sector, including sports, finance and especially farming...
— Charlotte Cunningham (@CharCunningham) April 16, 2019
If you’re suffering, speak up - the avenues of support are endless ??
BBC News https://t.co/dt9SEUk2KW
It comes as the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) identified stress, depression and anxiety as some the main causes of work-related ill health for farmers.
The overall illness rate for agricultural workers is 46% higher than the industry average, and stress, depression and anxiety are significant causes of ill health alongside musculoskeletal disorders and lung disease.
But there is help available. Rural-based charities such as the Farming Community Network, the DPJ Foundation and Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) help farmers who are suffering from mental health issues.
