Some perspectives on Managing Stressamong Farmers

Teagasc Dairy Expansion Conference13 th October , 2014

John McNamara, Health and Safety Officer,Teagasc

Introduction

• Stress is part of the ‘human condition’

• Stress can be ‘positive’ or ‘ negative’

• Everyone’s reaction is different.

• Know the Signs of Stress

• Issue is currently particularly relevant as ‘expansion phase’ of Irish Agricultureapproaches.

Signs of StressPhysical Mental Behavioural

High Blood Pressure Negative Attitude Loss of Interest

Muscle Tension Reduced Concentration Withdrawal- Friends /family

Disturbed Sleep Forgetful/ confusion Irritability and moodswings

Weight Change Difficulty with Decisionmaking

Increased use ofAlcohol , Smoking,Drugs

Reduced Energy Feeling Overwhelmed Loss of sense ofhumour

Well-being of Irish Farmer versusWorkers (WHO -5 scale)

( Source: GL Noble Denton study commissionedby H.S.A., 2013)

Category Farmers Workers

‘’Poor Wellbeing’ 16% 12%

‘Likely Depression’ 6% 3%

Research on Psychological Well-being( Hope et al, 1999; Melberg, 2003)

Sources of Farm related Stress

• Financial Worry

• Farm Work: psychological strain

• Illness/Injury/ Disablement

• (Lack of) Possible Successors

Teagasc/UCD Study on SuicideIdeation among Rural Men( Dr Maria Feeney).

• ‘Pain and Distress in Rural Ireland’

• Major Finding was that a mental health issueescalated to being a crisis issue without resortto service and supports.

• Socio-economic issues a factor

HealthPromotion

• Farmers seeking aregular health isincreasing.

• 73% reportedobtaining healthcheck ( Osborne etal, 2012)

Theory of Planned Behaviour(H.S.A Study)

Accident AssociationsMultivariateRegression

Accident Odds Significance(P)

Farmer &SpouseOFE

3.3 0.001 ***

Investment – Low 1.7 0.131 n.s.

Labour Available –High

1.6 0.163 n.s.

Agr. Education -Yes 1.8 0.070 n.s

Teagasc Client - Yes 2.0 0.061 n.s.

Advisor opinions of Farmer Constraints forH&S Adoption(Marion, Fox KT Masters, 2014)

Issue Score ( 6 highest)

Farmer ‘rushing’ 4.65

Complacency 4.37

Workload 4.19

Financial 2.99

Farmer Skill 2.30

Solutions

• Awareness of ‘ Stress’ related issues.

• Social engagement.

• Addressing ‘ Problems’ as challenges.

• Capiable ‘ Farm Management’.

• Seeking Support when Needed.