Farming is sometimes seen as a back-to-nature lifestyle, but the reality for many farmers is a complex mix of hard work, unpredictability, and pressure. Agriculture is laden with unique stressors, including economic instability, climate uncertainty, and the isolation that often accompanies rural life. Recognising the mental health challenges within this community is essential, and there are practical ways we can help support those who work tirelessly to sustain us.
The Mental Health Challenges Farmers Face
Farmers encounter a variety of mental health stressors that are unique to their work. Their days are frequently long, physically demanding, and subject to sudden changes. Events like droughts, floods, and unexpected frosts can devastate harvests, resulting in significant financial strain. Farmers often manage debt, compounded by unpredictable market prices and rising costs for essentials like seed, fertiliser, and machinery. This economic stress can take a real toll on mental health.
SuperFriend’s Indicators of a Thriving Workplace (ITW) survey data from 2023 indicate that there is perhaps some degree of adaptability, or perhaps a different outlook on life and work for those working in Agriculture, with more of our famers agreeing that their workplace is mentally healthy relative to the Australian national average (66% vs 59.5%), and this is also reflected in lower perceived levels of burnout (74% reporting no symptoms, relative to 67% of the general population).
That being said, our indicators suggest that the mental health of our farmers is worse than the national average worker, with 23.3% reporting a mental health condition in the past 12 months (national average across all industries = 19.5%). Across the lifetime this is higher, with 46.5% indicating experience of a mental health condition (higher than the 39.2% national average). Likely contributing to this are the higher proportion of farmers with high / very high levels of psychological distress (43%). A positive shift in the past 12 months may signal an upward trend, with a higher percentage of Agriculture workers suggesting their mental health is better than 12 months ago (36% relative to 30%).
Isolation can be a challenge, as many farmers work alone or in small teams, with fewer connection opportunities due to the remote nature of rural life. Unlike those in more urban professions, farmers may lack close colleagues who understand their unique pressures. This isolation can increase feelings of loneliness and depression, and for some, the obstacles to seeking mental health support can feel insurmountable. The ITW 2023 and early 2024 data suggest that 1 in 3 workers in Agriculture are lonely, 1 in 3 perceive their workload as inappropriate, and 1 in 3 indicate a high level of financial distress. While these statistics may seem high, the proportion of our farmers perceiving their workload as appropriate (64%) is higher than the national average (59%), and loneliness is the same as for the national working population.
A higher proportion of the farming profession is male (58%) relative to the national population, so when considering the challenges, data and support strategies it is important to consider the social context of men’s mental health. Unaddressed mental health issues can lead to tragic outcomes, including substance abuse, family conflicts and sometimes suicide.
The Ripple Effect of Farmers’ Mental Health
Farmers’ mental health doesn’t only impact them personally—it affects their families, communities, and the entire food supply chain. When farmers struggle, so do their loved ones, who often bear the emotional and financial strain.
Addressing mental health in farming also yields significant economic benefits. Mentally resilient farmers are better equipped to adapt to changes, engage in sustainable practices, and maintain productive farms that support rural economies. Interestingly, the ITW data indicates that a lower proportion of farmers perceive that they are working at their best (55%) relative to the national average (60%). By investing in their mental health, we help safeguard food security, sustain rural communities, and create a stable agricultural sector that can adapt and thrive in the face of challenges.
Reducing Mental Health Stigma in Agriculture
Stigma remains one of the biggest barriers to mental health support in farming communities. Mental health issues can be dismissed and misunderstood. Farmers, especially men, may feel pressured to "tough it out," viewing seeking help as a sign of weakness. Changing this mindset requires community-wide efforts. SuperFriend’s 2023 ITW survey data indicates that fewer farmers feel comfortable talking openly about their MH at work (50%) relative to the national average (56%).
Educational programs can assist farmers in recognising signs of stress, anxiety, and depression in themselves and their peers. The more open and supportive society is towards mental health challenges, the more likely farmers are to seek help when needed. The ITW 2023 data indicates that we can do better in this space, with the Capability domain score for this industry declining in 2024, perhaps reflecting lower levels of perceived skills and resources to support worker mental health for farmers.
Expanding Access to Mental Health Resources in Rural Areas
For farmers who are open to seeking support, accessibility remains an issue. Rural areas often lack sufficient mental health services, with limited access to therapists and counsellors. Increasing resources in rural communities and expanding telehealth services are essential steps in making mental health care more accessible.
Telehealth offers farmers a private, convenient way to access support from their homes. Encouraging farm-related organisations, cooperatives, and local centres to host mental health resources or collaborate with telehealth providers can ensure support is both accessible and approachable.
How to Build a Supportive Community:
Supporting farmers’ mental health requires a collaborative approach. Here’s how everyone—friends, family, local organisations, and policymakers—can play a part:
- Friends and Family: Stay connected with farmers in your life. Be mindful of signs that they might be struggling, like withdrawal, unusual fatigue, or shifts in behaviour. Check in regularly, offer a listening ear, and encourage open conversations about how they’re feeling.
- Local Organisations: Agricultural associations can include mental health workshops, awareness campaigns, and partnerships with mental health professionals in their programs. These initiatives can equip farmers with stress-management tools and guide them toward helpful resources.
- Policymakers: Government support is vital to make mental health services available in rural areas. Funding for rural telehealth services, grants for mental health initiatives, and comprehensive mental health coverage can make a significant difference.
Encouraging a Culture of Self-Care and Wellbeing
Self-care doesn’t always come naturally to those used to long hours and a “get-it-done” mentality. Supporting farmers in prioritising self-care—whether it’s setting aside time for exercise, spending time with family, or pursuing hobbies—can greatly improve their mental health. Programs that teach coping skills, mindfulness practices, and time management can help farmers develop resilience and handle daily pressures more effectively.
Supporting farmers’ mental health is essential not only for their wellbeing but for the health of entire communities, the resilience of our food systems, and the economy at large. By reducing stigma, expanding mental health resources, and encouraging a supportive peer led culture, we can help farmers face their unique challenges with resilience.
SuperFriend are proud to partner with Prime Super, who have relationships with organisations committed to supporting farmers including National Farmers Federation and state farming bodies, and Australian Rural Leadership Foundation.
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