Mental Health
Every single one of us will experience tough times in our lives. Mental health problems can range from a low or sad period to a more serious depression, with a small number of people going on to experience severe mental health problems. Talking about your problems is proven to have a positive impact on how you feel.
Let’s Talk: Dealing with Stress
Farmers face increasing challenges with falling incomes, higher costs, increased regulations, unpredictable weather, isolation and long working hours. Learn how to recognise symptoms of stress, identify the causes and take steps to reduce and manage it. By doing these three things you will improve your quality of life and make your farm a safer place.
Know the signs in yourself – reach out.
Look out for each other
Know the signs in others – reach out
Pieta 24hr Crisis Helpline
Call our 24 hour freephone helpline 1800 247 247 or text the word HELP to 51444 (standard message rates apply) to speak to a qualified therapist if you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, self-harming or have lost someone to suicide.
Suicide Bereavement Liaison Service by Pieta
This service is currently available to anyone who needs it in these areas:
| Region | Contact Number |
| Cavan / Monaghan | 085 870 6591 |
| Cork / Kerry | 085 870 6714 |
| Donegal | 085 877 2028 |
| Kildare / West Wicklow, Dublin West, Dublin South City | 085 870 6606 |
| Dublin South West | 085 870 6606 |
| Limerick / Clare / North Tipp | 085 856 8081 |
| Meath / Louth | 085 738 0444 |
| Midlands | 086 418 0088 |
| North Dublin | 085 870 6574 |
| Sligo / Leitrim | 085 253 8638 |
| Wexford / Waterford / Kilkenny / Carlow / South Tipp | 085 870 6712 |
| Dublin South East /Dun Laoghaire / East Wicklow | 085 870 6712 |
The Suicide Bereavement Liaison Service (SBL) can offer farmers and their families practical support, information and signposting to anyone who has recently been bereaved by suicide by connecting or visiting with them promptly.
The Suicide Bereavement Liaison Service can be accessed by contacting your local SBLO by telephone, contacting your local Pieta centres, or Resource Officer for Suicide Prevention (HSE). Anyone affected by suicide is welcome to make contact with this service for support, or to learn about what services might be available to them in the area.
The Suicide Bereavement Liaison Officer can meet with bereaved individuals or families (at their request) as a group or individually.
Often those bereaved may have specific questions about some of the difficult practical issues following a death by suicide. They may want guidance or assistance in accessing a therapeutic service, or even just to talk with someone locally, about what has happened. In some cases, there may be a specific concern about the reactions and emotions family members or the wider community, are experiencing. No matter what your relationship is to the person you have lost, the service is available for you.
Coping with the Pressures of Farming
This publication by Teagasc has been researched and collated to address the many and varied issues that contribute to stress when not properly handled.
Counselling for childhood abuse or neglect
Connect is a free telephone counselling and support service for any adult who has experienced abuse, trauma or neglect in childhood. You can talk in confidence with a trained counsellor who can listen or help with questions you have. To speak to a counsellor call freephone: 1800 477 477 or click here to learn more.
If you don’t feel you can manage this, ask a friend or family member to call on your behalf or for support.
Please remember you’re not alone, Pieta is here to help you.
YourMentalHealth.ie
YourMentalHealth.ie is a place to learn about mental health and how to support yourself and the people you love. You can find support services near you, and learn about the #littlethings that can make a big difference to how we all feel. Brought to you by the HSE, the National Office for Suicide Prevention and partner organisations across the country.
Mental Health Ireland – Farming Resilience
IFA has teamed up with Mental Health Ireland and Teagasc to develop a Farming Resilience programme to help farmers develop resilience in overcoming serious setbacks in life and business.
Learn more about the Farming Resilience programme here.