The quiet side of farming: Breaking the silence on farmer wellbeing

Across the UK and around the world, isolation in farming is becoming one of the biggest challenges. Long hours spent working alone, unpredictable weather, financial pressure and the responsibility of running a business can all build up quietly in the background. When everything lands on one person’s shoulders, it can start to take a serious toll on mental wellbeing.

The reality of farming alone

Cornish farmer James Warwick knows this experience well. Farming in a very remote area, James describes periods where he can go days without seeing anyone, especially during busy times such as lambing and calving. When things go wrong - a run of bad weather, livestock losses or unexpected costs - those pressures can spiral.

“You get a few bad days….and your mind starts playing games with you,” explains James. 

Isolation doesn’t always mean a lack of people nearby. Many farmers live in close-knit rural communities where everyone knows each other yet still feel unable to talk openly. Pride, fear of judgement or not wanting to ‘burden’ others can all stop people from speaking out, even when they’re struggling.

Why talking about mental health can feel so hard

Emma O’Sullivan, founder of the DPJ Foundation, understands these barriers deeply. After losing her husband, an agricultural contractor, to suicide, Emma set up the charity to support mental health in farming communities.

One of the biggest challenges, she says, is that rural communities are both connected and isolating at the same time. “We are very well known within our communities, our parents, our grandparents. It's a big thing being able to open up and admit that you are struggling.”

There’s also a strong generational element. Many farmers compare themselves to parents or grandparents who lived through crises such as foot-and-mouth disease and managed. That comparison can leave people wondering why they’re finding things hard now.

But farming has changed. Financial pressures, paperwork, policy changes, social media and constant uncertainty all add new layers of stress. Today’s challenges are different and they’re no less real.

The ‘bucket’ we all carry

Emma uses the image of an invisible bucket we all carry with us. Over time, stress, isolation and worry fill the bucket higher. When it overflows, people may start to experience anxiety, low mood or depression.

What’s important, she says, is recognising we also have a tap on the bucket and finding ways to turn on the tap to release pressure before it builds too far is crucial.

“Identify what empties your bucket and what switches that tap on,” she says.

For some people, the tap is talking things through with a trusted friend. For others, it might be exercise, spending time with your animals or simply taking ten minutes to stop and breathe. What matters is identifying what works for you and making time for it, even when life feels too busy.

The concept of using a ‘sit spot’, somewhere to make space for ourselves emotionally, was introduced by Eddie Rixon in ‘From surviving to thriving’. 

The power of listening

A recurring message from both James and Emma is support doesn’t have to mean fixing problems. Often, the most helpful thing you can do for someone is simply listen.

Many farmers worry about saying the wrong thing or making matters worse. But you don’t need all the answers. Being present, checking in and offering a listening ear can make a huge difference. Some of the best conversations happen side by side - in a tractor cab, while checking stock or walking the farm - rather than face to face.

James credits his close group of friends for helping him through some of his darkest moments. “You’re not a burden,” he says. “And your real friends will support you through anything.”

Spotting the signs and supporting others

Friends, family and neighbours are often the first to notice when something isn’t right. Changes in behaviour, withdrawal from social activities, neglecting self-care or doing things out of character can all be warning signs.

If your instincts tell you someone is struggling, trust that feeling. You may be brushed off at first, but keeping the door open and checking in again later can be vital. And some people find it easier to talk to someone outside their immediate circle.

You don’t have to carry it alone

There is now more support available to farmers than ever before. Organisations such as The DPJ Foundation, FCN, RABI, Yellow Wellies and local groups like Farm Cornwall offer confidential help, often from people who understand farming life.

The most important message is simple: you don’t have to cope on your own. Farming will always come with pressure, but sharing the load, whether with a friend, family member or support organisation, can make all the difference.

Taking care of your mental wellbeing isn’t a weakness. It’s part of staying fit for farming, for your family and for the future of your business

Episode showstoppers

1.     The image of ‘our’ bucket filling up and applying so much pressure it can feel almost unbearable. But there’s a tap on the bucket which can empty it and lighten the load. Identify what opens your tap to empty your bucket.

2.     Establish what works for you to avoid feeling overwhelmed. It might be time, talking to other people, seeking another perspective or possibly asking others what they believe works for you.

3.     Support others by looking for the signs and making yourself available, and while respecting you may be asked to stand back, don’t necessarily give up. Take time to listen.

Listen to the full episode below - also available via Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

About our guests

Emma O’Sullivan set up The DPJ Foundation in July 2016 in Pembrokeshire having been widowed at the age of 27 following her husband’s death to suicide. The charity aims to support those in the farming sector suffering from poor mental health. 

James Warwick farms near Bude, running a grass-based beef suckler herd. Named South West Beef Farmer of the Year in 2025, James is also well-known for sharing the realities of farming life on Instagram (@farmerjimbo97) and promoting mental health awareness.

Rural mental health and farmer wellbeing support 

These are some of the organisations offering support with mental health and wellbeing:

·       Farming Community Network (FCN FarmWell), call 03000 111 999 or email help@fcn.org.uk

·       RABI, call 0800 188 4444 for free (available 24 hours a day) or email help@rabi.org.uk

·       Mind, call 0300 102 1234

·       Samaritans, call 116 123 for free (available 24 hours a day) or email jo@samaritans.org

·       SHOUT, a free 24/7 text service for mental health support. Text ‘Shout’ to 85258.

·       NHS Talking Therapies (NHS TT) is a FREE short-term psychological therapy service. Find an NHS talking therapies services here. 

  ·   Steps 2Wellbeing (NHS Talking Therapies Dorset and Southampton), call 0800 484 0500

  ·   Talkworks (NHS Talking Therapies Devon)

  ·   NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Talking Therapies 

  ·   NHS Somerset Talking Therapies