Doctors launch VR film to teach about mental health on farms

Three Suffolk-based doctors have launched Rural Minds, a virtual reality project aimed at improving understanding and awareness of mental health in farming.

The project seeks to help UK healthcare professionals better understand and have empathy with the challenges farmers often face, such as financial pressures and isolation.

It also focuses on the “mental health crisis” within UK agriculture, with a previous survey by the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (Rabi) indicating that more than one-third of farmer respondents were “probably or possibly” depressed, while almost half admitted to frequently experiencing anxiety.

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The Rural Minds Project was created by Dr Daniel James, Dr Richard West and Dr Jordan Tsigarides, in partnership with Cambridge-based technology firm Revolve Labs.

Funding is from the Felix Thornley Cobbold Agricultural Trust.

It uses immersive 360deg virtual reality filming to highlight everyday experiences of farmers and some of the common issues they encounter.

Project co-creator and GP Dr Daniel James said: “Behind the hard work and resilience of rural life, there can be real struggles with isolation, stress and mental health.

“By raising awareness and creating practical ways for doctors to understand and respond to these challenges, we hope to make it easier for people to reach out seeking help.

“This project is about connection, community, and changing the conversation around suicide risk in agriculture.”

Felix Thornley Cobbold Agricultural Trust chairman James Forrest hopes it will help train medical professionals to better recognise symptoms in patients.

Revolve Labs chief medical officer Dr Jordan Tsigarides said: “The Rural Minds VR experience allows you to step into the boots of a farmer struggling with his mental health and truly shines a light on this difficult topic.

“As doctors, our training doesn’t emphasise the unique challenges that the agricultural community face, leaving us ill-prepared to identify and support those in need.”