Rural Scotland can be an isolated and challenging place to live, at times serving to the detriment of mental health in the wider farming communities.
After a recent nation-wide tour addressing rural mental health by Doug Avery – a farmer from New Zealand who, after extreme drought faced challenges to both his mental health and his business, made life changing decisions that saved him and his business – has highlighted that there is clearly an appetite and a drive towards tackling what has often been seen as a stigma within the Scottish farming community. In the Scottish Farmer’s new series, they have highlighted experiences from farmers who have faced their own battles with mental health and will also speak to those who can offer support and guidance to those who may identify with the stories they feature. By keeping this conversation going, they hope that the momentum will continue and we can see a positive change in an open discussion around mental health in rural Scotland.
Through specialist support groups, those who live in the rural community can seek help and guidance, it is hoped that this series within the Scottish Farmer, will help to raise awareness of the organisations who can make a difference.
For more information about the series, you can find it at The Scottish Farmer Website.
To be part of the series and support Scotland’s rural communities, please contact Paul Johnstone on 0141 302 7368 or by contacting him by email; paul.johnstone@thescottishfarmer.co.uk
