Agriculture & The Mental Health Problem

Lucy Gray

When I started Doodling Lucy I knew I wanted to support as many charities as possible. With a background in psychology/mental health and growing up in a rural community the Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies) specifically their Mind Your Head campaign was the perfect fit for my next charity card.

UK farmers and those working in the agricultural sector are renowned for the attention they give to their crops, machinery and animals however unfortunately this is not always reflected in taking care of their mental health.  

There are many mental health risk factors associated with agriculture. The long hours - often in isolation, financial pressures, being vulnerable to out of control events - natural disasters, international trade disputes.

"Levels of depression in the industry are increasing and suicide rates in farmers are amongst the highest in any occupational group. However, Yellow Wellies is working towards a culture in farming that promotes positive mental health and removing the stigma surrounding it.

Mind Your Head began in 2018– to raise awareness of this growing issue in the industry and, since then, one thing has become evident; farmer health and wellbeing can not, and should not, be ignored – by anyone.

As an industry, there is a collective responsibility to do something about the issue of poor mental health and the risk of suicide and every one of us has a role to play. Increased understanding, and discussions around mental health will, in time, reduce the discrimination experienced by those who have mental health issues."

www.yellowwellies.org

My Yellow Wellies Charity card pack donates £2.50 from every sale towards the Mind Your Head campaign. Together we can raise awareness, remove the stigma and improve the health of farmers across the UK. 

Click on the photo below to purchase yours! Whose day will you brighten by sending them a pair of vibrant wellies?

 

 



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