Farmers speak up about mental health

Long hours, isolated work, factors beyond one’s control, and often living on and owning a generational business all come together to create an environment in which stress and anxiety might feel inevitable.

Fortunately, it’s a topic that more and more people are speaking up about, and as you’ll hear in our podcast, that’s one of the most important steps we can be taking as an industry. To help spread awareness, to mark World Mental Health Day, and to get a better understanding ourselves, we’ve spoken to farmers, counsellors, and charities.

Farmer raises funds for charity

Aberdeenshire joiner and farmer Duncan Maclellan shared his powerful personal story of living with depression, his journey to recovery, and how speaking openly has become his way of helping others. In a sensitive and meaningful conversation, Duncan is setting an example and speaking up about topics and himself in an open, honest manner that will give hope and strength to others.

Duncan has recently completed a series of fundraising events, including a 370-mile challenge travelling from John O’Groats to Gretna Green, following a 184-mile coast-to-coast walk wearing wellies, and a 24-hour challenge climbing Bennachie an impressive 17 times, equivalent to the height of Mount Everest. The funds raised from these challenges were donated to RSABI.

Specialised care for farmers

Our discussion with counsellor Sarah Worrall centered on the importance of specialised mental health support for farmers, highlighting how understanding the unique pressures of farming such as isolation, weather dependency, and political uncertainty is crucial for effective counselling. Sarah emphasised that the relationship between client and counsellor is key, and that shared understanding helps build trust.

One of the biggest contributors to poor mental health in farming is the solitary nature of the work, which can lead to overthinking, anxiety, and depression. Our conversation stressed the value of connection, whether through informal chats, peer camaraderie, or professional support.

Sarah pointed out that many farmers, particularly men, struggle to talk about their feelings, but she is seeing that younger generations are becoming more open. Ultimately, Sarah encourages people not to bottle things up and to seek help, advising that if the first counsellor you speak to doesn’t feel like the right fit, it’s okay to try someone else, as therapy is a personal journey.

Farmers helping farmers

Head of communications and development for FCN, Alex Phillimore, shared how FCN helps thousands of farmers annually through issues such as financial pressure, succession planning, poor weather, disease, and uncertainty about the future. As Alex put it: “A lot of the stresses farmers face are outside their control – and that uncertainty can be really hard to live with.”

FCN offers three main services: a national helpline, a network of 400 local volunteers who provide in-person support, and the Farmwell website, which hosts practical resources on farm management, wellbeing, and health. Importantly, most FCN volunteers come from farming backgrounds, offering relatable, empathetic support. FCN’s approach of “farmers helping farmers” aims to reduce stigma and create stronger rural communities.

Stand-up and speak out

We also spoke to farmer/comedian Jim Smith, who discussed his upcoming #KeepTalking Tour, a comedy show rooted in rural life and farming experiences. The show blends humour, anecdotes, and relatable tales of agricultural mishaps, from sheep-related chaos to broken machinery. It’s aimed to offer some light-hearted relief from the pressures of farming, and to bring people together, creating a relaxed, social environment where farmers can laugh, connect, and feel less alone in their challenges.

The event also serves a deeper purpose: raising awareness of the support available through RSABI and encouraging open conversations about mental health. Jim emphasised the therapeutic value of laughter and shared experiences, hoping attendees leave with a smile, a sense of community, and maybe a joke or two to remember later. For farmers struggling or noticing others in difficulty, his advice is to reach out. Even a short call can be a powerful first step toward feeling better.

Useful contacts

RABI:

Phone/email: 0800 188 4444/help@rabi.org.uk 

RSABI (for farmers in Scotland):

Phone/email: 0808 1234 555/helpline@rsabi.org.uk 

DPJ Foundation (Wales):

Phone/text: 0800 587 4262/07860 048799 

Rural support (NI):

Phone: 0800 138 1678 

YANA:

Phone: 0300 323 0400 

FCN:

Phone: 03000 111 999 

Samaritans:

Phone: 116 123 

Shout:

Text ‘Hawkstone’ to 85258 

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