'Huge uncertainty and great worry' is how one activist describes the lot of the Irish farmer. Alison Healy on the psychological hardships of farming
Farming life can be viewed in two ways - an idyllic, peaceful way of life with few of the stresses associated with urban living, or an occupation in decline, peopled by anxious, socially-isolated workers.
While the truth lies somewhere in the middle, support groups say the incidence of depression is high among single, elderly farmers living alone in remote areas.
A recent survey of single older men in Dingle found that 23 per cent of them reported depression or suicidal feelings, and some had attempted suicide. Lack of transport and the changing employment and social structure had contributed to the feelings of low self-esteem and exclusion, the survey found. Social outlets such as the small local creamery were simply not there any more and the pub was the main point of social contact, even for those 15 per cent who recognised they had a drink problem.
While many older farmers never had a choice of occupation because of family circumstance,progressive young farmers such as Mr Andrew Killeen (32) have entered the industry with their eyes wide open.
The Clare dairy farmer believes farmers should manage their work to ensure that they get some time away from the yard. "If you are not in the milking parlour at 8 o'clock, the cows won't look at you any differently," he says.
Mr Killeen is convinced farming offers a better quality of life than office work ever could. He is heavily involved in community activities and is a member of the local drama group. His wife Bernadette runs a B&B and he looks forward to spending time with his boys (three-year-old James and one-year-old Cathal) as they grow up on the farm.
"Country life is marvellous for the children who are being reared with animals and learn how to love and respect them. There are bad days, of course, but then you come in the door and you have the two little boys there in front of you. Isolation is one word I would never associate with farming."
Nevertheless, farm groups are worried by the loneliness and stress experienced by many farmers. Last month, a group of concerned farmers donated €28,000 to the Samaritans, to help them in their work of combating loneliness and depression in rural areas. Two years ago, the IFA donated €19,000 in recognition of the support offered to farmers during the foot-and-mouth crisis.
The Samaritans do not know how many farmers use their help-line because the confidential service does not seek background information from callers.
"But we do know that we get many calls from farmers and rural dwellers because we have 12 branches around the Republic and most of them have substantial rural catchment areas," says Mr Paul O'Hare, spokesman for the Samaritans.
"Isolation is a big factor, especially from callers to our branches in places like Sligo and Galway," he says. Stress is another factor.
"People can be under considerable stress when they are depending on seasonal factors, and are looking at reduced incomes, particularly when they are trying to support a family."
Dairy farmers feel under particular pressure with the current uncertainty over the latest CAP reforms, according to Longford farmer Mr Mike Magan, chairman of Agri Aware, a group that promotes a positive image of agriculture. Mr Magan says the negative side of farming, particularly for dairying sector, cannot be ignored.
"There is no getting around the fact that there is a feeling of an occupation in decline. There is huge uncertainty and great worry, and that can make people feel very isolated."