Farmers wanted to take part in wellbeing and mental health study

Scottish farmers are wanted to take part in a mental health and wellbeing study being run by the University of Glasgow.

NFU Scotland (NFUS) and the Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RSABI) have joined forces to encourage Scottish farmers and crofters to take part in the pilot study.

The research, funded by the Institute of Mental Health and Wellbeing at the University of Glasgow, seeks to create a new online support course aimed at individuals in farming communities suffering from low mood and anxiety.

Participants must be working within agriculture, over 18, and experiencing symptoms of low mood or anxiety.

See also: Charity calls rocket as farmers reach out for help

It is hoped that working through the modules within the online course, as part of the study, will teach those taking part practical life skills to help improve their symptoms.

“I would encourage as many people as possible to take part in this study if they fit the criteria, as it can only bode well for helping our industry to be the best it can be going forward, with suitable resources available, no matter where you are in Scotland,” said NFUS president Allan Bowie.

“One in four people in Scotland will suffer from poor mental health at some point in their life.

“And we know with the pressures that are currently facing our industry, and every sector, it can have a significant impact on how we feel and how we cope in the running of our businesses.”

To find out more or take part in the study, go to the Farmer Stress Research Project webpage.

Or if you would like to ask Harriet Bowyer, the trainee clinical psychologist running the study, any questions, you can email her at info@farmerstress.com.