Report reveals farmers face intolerable stress

Seven out of ten Northern Ireland's farmers have experienced feelings of despair that may pose a risk of them experiencing suicidal depression, according to new research.

The study, carried out by Queen's University, examined farmers' personal circumstances, such as working hours and cash flow. The report found that many farmers who are unmarried, work long hours, and have financial worries are likely to end their life.

More than 3,000 farmers took part in the survey commissioned by the Ulster Farmer Union (UFU) and carried out by Dr Tony Gallagher from Queen's University in Belfast. Among the key findings of the report was that many people in the rural community had experienced feelings of hopelessness and were under extreme stress.

Farmers were said to be more at risk of suicide now than during the Foot and Mouth crisis last year.

UFU President John Gilliland said there was a major social issue that needed to be dealt with in the rural community: "This must be recognised and a co-ordinated effort must get underway to offer help to the many farmers and farm families who feel a sense of hopelessness."

The report's author, Dr Gallagher, said that in the past it was considered that those at greatest risk of suicide had psychiatric disorders, but he said it was now recognised that those who he said had "given up hope in the future" were more at risk.

He added that those farmers who were married and had regular social interaction, such as attending church regularly had lower levels of hopelessness as they had support through family and friends.

(SP)