Video: Hill farmer shares his mental health struggles

A well-known Exmoor hill farmer who contemplated taking his own life has made a short film to help others facing a similar situation.

Oliver Edwards said he had suicidal thoughts after pressures on the farm coincided with a cancer diagnosis. He said he found getting help difficult and shut himself off from other people because he didn’t want to burden them.

See also: Mental health support available for farmers

“I felt really down and couldn’t see any way out,” said Mr Edwards.

“I found it difficult to speak about what I was feeling. [People] who aren’t from a farming type of world can struggle to relate, as they don’t know the same types of stresses that you might be under.

“I felt a bit foolish, and didn’t think others would understand the problems I was facing. I’m usually seen as being the stable person and the rock who others come to for help. When you’re in that role, it is hard to be the one to ask for help.”

Mr Edwards said his cancer diagnosis eventually prompted him to seek help. His story is told in a six-minute film called The Hill Farmer by the Somerset Mental Health in Agriculture Group (SMHAG) and funded by the Bridgwater Agricultural Society.

“If I’d spoken to somebody earlier about the stress of what I was going through, it could have really helped my mental state,” said Mr Edwards. “I urge those watching to talk to somebody – someone will have been in a similar situation to you and will understand.”

One SMHAG member is Tod Merson, a local volunteer for the Farming Community Network. The FCN charity has seen an increase in mental health-related calls to its helpline over the past year.

“Oliver’s story mirrors my own,” said Mr Merson. “When I experienced depression during my farming career, admitting it to anyone else was the hardest thing to do. It is also the essential first step on the path to recovery.”

The Farming Community Network Helpline: Call for free, 7am-11pm, on 03000 111 999. Or email help@fcn.org.uk