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ted. summer 22

welcome to

ted.

ted

Ted Hamer was a stern man with white, thinning hair and unparalleled resilience. His greatest joy was Smiths Farm and on most Sundays during my early childhood, you would find me traipsing around after my older brother, Robert, attempting to help him with any and every job possible. My Grandad worked his dairy farm for just over 60 years, and it would not surprise you to know that even with an injured knee he would still be found hobbling around the yard on a pair of crutches. My Grandads uniform was navy blue overalls with a hole in the elbow, a tattered flat cap and a steadfast love for farming. This love for farming is something we know a lot of farmers possess, a passion passed down through generations and across the country. It can be hard to fathom that despite agriculture having been the backbone of the UK for decades, it is now overlooked for its importance. Here at ted, we know that this has led to our farmers’ needs being overlooked and we also understand how hard it is for farmers to acknowledge their own needs.

ted is a place for readers to take a well-earned breather away from the gritty dayto-day of farming. In the safety of these pages, you will find advice on how to cope throughout the summer season, information on where to access help, and words from farmers around the country.

r Ted Hame

So, all that’s left to say is welcome to ted.

Rachel . Bryning - Editor

ted

contents.

in the summertime

17 rob

33 robert 43 61 from you

looking after yourself

73 advice

the young farmers huw nick

worry not spotting the signs

stay alive app

a helping hand

ta-ra

ted

‘there is light at the end’

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in the summertime. While summer may signify freshness and openness for many farmers, for some these are the months where emotions are repressed and often left at the bottom of a silage clamp An endless hum of choppers, the ever-unpredictable weather and the buzz of livestock markets often subdue any thoughts of mental well-being that farmers may experience during summer. June, for many, marks the start of the summer season - with the longest day just down the lane and the promise of (slightly) warmer weather it brings a new sense of vigour to farmers’ day-to-day tasks. Despite the lighter mornings and evenings making tiresome days feel slightly less overwhelming, there is still a relentless list of tasks for farmers to be busying themselves with. While most of the general public will welcome summer and the prospect of nights spent in pub gardens, farmers face hours of isolation in tractor cabs and the worry of prepping for next year. Farming during

summer is a gruelling task and even in between all the hecticness it is important that you look out for yourself and others on both a mental and physical level. The UK often sees the sunniest days throughout June, so it is super important to make sure that you are slapping on that factor 50 in the morning and making sure to reapply at baggin* time to maintain protection. Wearing a cap and having a pair of sunglasses on hand is also a simple way of protecting yourself! While June may have the greatest number of sunny days, during July, we experience some of the hottest days of the year. These scorching days can see temperatures in the South soaring to the midtwenties. Therefore, keeping hydrated is key in preventing heat exhaustion, heatstroke and dehydration. The NHS recommends six to eight glasses of water per day; if you are working long hours operating machinery then making sure you have more than one water bottle on hand keeps you hydrated and safe. It is especially important to consider any long term ailments such as heart and lung conditions, diabetes or kidney disease which may make you vulnerable to the heat. While you can find much-needed rest in the coolness of the farmhouse, finding the chance to rest mentally is another challenge. During the harvest, it isn’t uncommon to spend hours alone in a tractor cab and despite your focus being occupied, the solitude can creep in and be your only company. At ted, we recommend downloading and queuing episodes of your favourite podcast to fill any silence or keeping the radio >

*afternoon snack

ted tuned in the cab to provide much-needed comfort. Furthermore, if you are feeling quite withdrawn then taking time to call friends or family at the end of the day can help you decompress and take your mind off farming and overall can put you in a better mental headspace. If you are finding the summer season particularly hard many charities are often only a phone call away, with helplines available for free and open around the clock. Sometimes it can benefit your wellbeing to communicate openly; something made easier by the anonymity of helplines. British summertime is unpredictable and more so now as climate change causes more strain on the environment. However, you aren’t alone in any of your struggles. Many farmers feel the same and communicating within your community can often provide much needed mental relief and solace.* Physical and mental well-being go hand in hand, if you don’t feel good physically, often your mental health feels just as rubbish. Eating well might be at the back of your mind during summer when you get carried away doing jobs, but it is important to try not to fall into the habit of eating poorly. If it isn’t something you can keep on top of then maybe reach out to a friend or family member who may be able to bring you a packed lunch or tea during intense days. Therefore, that’s one less thing to worry about and your meal choices are likely to be healthier. Reaching out and asking for help is neither a sign of weakness nor a burden to others, you are surrounded by people who have much compassion for you and want to see you well. It can feel overwhelming but in the long run, it will make you feel a lot better. The NHS provide guidance on how to spot the signs of heat exhaustion: - a headache - dizziness and confusion - loss of appetite and feeling sick - excessive sweating and pale, clammy skin - cramps in the arms, legs and stomach - fast breathing or pulse - a high temperature of 38˚C or above - being very thirsty Find more information about ‘How to Cope in Hot Weather’ on the official NHS Website.

Farm safety is at the forefront of many farmers’ minds and more so during summer when machinery is used frequently and in intense weather conditions. A priority at the beginning of each day should be performing machine maintenance which includes making sure the machine is safe to use before operation. Furthermore, it is crucial to give plenty of time before re-fuelling so that the equipment has cooled down. During a particularly hot period, machinery can be known to overheat, be sure to remember that all equipment has an accessible fire extinguisher, just in case. While maintaining the likes of tractors, bailers and combine harvesters it is also imperative that as a farmer you are wearing appropriate work gear - steel toe cap boots can provide much-needed protection and support, unlike wellies. Furthermore, wearing lightweight, breathable clothing can prevent any risk of overheating. The Farm Safety Foundation have great advice for working alongside machinery: - Safe Stop – handbrake on, controls in neutral and engine off - Plan your jobs beforehand - Never remove or modify guards to save time - Only use a machine if you know how to use it safely and have received suitable training. Always read the manufacturer’s instructions - Machines have no brains so always use your own! Find more information at Yellow Wellies ‘Working with Machinery’ ■

*find resources and support on pages 81 to 82

rob.

Harper Adams University MEng Agricultural Engineer Graduate

Rob divides his time at his current position as a design engineer at a local firm with weekends spent helping out on the family farm. Farming is Robert’s heritage and part of his future, his fresh perspective on men’s mental health in farming is proof of a cultural shift within farming.

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Robert Bryning, twenty-four, is a competent, resilient and clever design engineer and the grandson of a late Lancashire dairy farmer. Childhood school holidays and weekends were often spent down on the family farm lending a hand and gaining knowledge on all aspects of farming. Robert’s love for farming lead to him graduating from Harper Adams University with a Master’s in Agricultural Engineering last year, with a year of industry at CLAAS in Germany as part of his portfolio. Robert’s lifelong immersion in the farming community provides him with insight into how fellow young farmers cope with their mental health. Growing up in a farming family often results in particular mindsets transcending generations and no more so than with the “stiff upper lip” attitude adopted by many older farmers. Being vulnerable and open with your family can be a hard task and in farming often it can feel like the needs of others outweigh your own. However, with a new generation of young farmers taking on more responsibility on family farms, we might be witnessing a shift in attitudes. At the time of talking with Robert, his answers reflected this cultural change. Farming is a part of Robert’s heritage and a part of his life that he finds incredibly rewarding. Farming provides him with a continued sense of achievement, and he finds great pride in the work he carries out.

“Knowing you’ve contributed to the welfare and life of an animal, or successfully grown a crop, or solved a problem to be able to continue the business brings me much joy” Spending time at Harper Adams University allowed Robert to meet young adults who have had similar experiences to him growing up. The community created on campus is a reflection of the tight-knit nature of farming. Robert reflects on his time spent as a student with much fondness and the opportunities he was given have truly moulded him into a positive, hard-working individual. >

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“I personally do not worry, with change comes opportunity and UK agriculture will continue to produce food and energy in the future”

Robert spoke candidly about the fact that while in the past he hasn’t talked openly to other farmers about his mental health, he would now if he needed to. Recently, he has found it easier to talk to farmers “about the struggles in agriculture relating to restrictive legislation and pressures to make ends meet.” Often it can take time for important conversations to happen openly. Nonetheless, these dialogues are occurring and if that is through speaking about how the farming industry as a whole can impact day-to-day life then that may be the way forward. The state of men’s mental health across the British Isles may lead many to worry about how current and future generations of young farmers will cope in the industry. However, Robert maintains a steadfast attitude: he believes “that with change comes opportunity and UK agriculture will continue to produce food and energy in the future but the conventional farming system known and used by many for decades are no longer viable in most cases. Diversity has to come into play and an open mindset must be adopted.” As young farmers take on more responsibility it is likely we will see this change in the near future as they will be more open to implementing new routines. Being proactive plays a significant role in shifting attitudes toward mental health and due to the awareness current generations have of the situation we will hopefully see some positive change. For many across the country farming is viewed through a rose-tinted lens; the concept of living in the countryside and working outside, especially during summer, will seem relatively idyllic for most office workers. However, the lack of support many farmers face is often the harsher reality. Finding help can often feel like a farfetched idea and one that is not as simple as a trip to the HR department. Many farmers we have spoken to here at ted expressed a desire to see more help through current farming media as Robert explained “further promotion of mental health awareness pages and organisations on social media would provide much-needed support. Farmers of an older age may see fewer routes out of difficult times going forwards due to less understanding of upcoming technology leading to a higher chance of a compromised mental state relating to their livelihood and business. The same older generation of farmers is less likely to use social media which means the easiest way of reaching them is through the likes of Farmers Weekly or Guardian.” >

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Farmers across the country are unified in their want for accessible mental health resources and while charities and helplines are available the prospect of being open is overwhelming for many. I asked Robert if he had any further advice for young farmers on how to cope in the industry. He went on to explain that networking through social media is an easy way to feel heard within a community without the pressure of face to face contact; sometimes being honest is easier this way. Robert suggested that joining a local Young Farmers Club can help if you are spending lots of time on a farm worked by older men - you may fall into their way of thinking. Finding a local club will allow you to speak openly to peers and make you feel less alone as a young farmer. Being a young farmer can feel overwhelming especially when the industry is under so much pressure. Finding time to appreciate the role you play in agriculture can be hard but for many farmers, the drive to provide a service to others seems to outweigh it all. The individual experience of mental health can ultimately make it challenging to open up but the changing mindset of many in the industry is being driven by the younger generation. Even if it feels hard to cope at times there are many youngsters out there ready to spark a conversation and be positive forces for the community. ■

ted

‘warning: your mental health matters’

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robert.

Lancashire Dairy Farmer and Business Owner

Robert was born into farming and it has been a lifelong passion of his. He spoke candidly to ted about how he views the industry currently and how he has coped over the years.

To be a farmer is to be selfless, to understand that each day you live your life for the people your crop is feeding, for your livestock and for your family. Putting your wellbeing above others is part of the job but it comes with a mental and physical toll. It is important to be mindful of looking after yourself and taking time to decompress. Robert Hamer is a Lancashire based dairy farmer, who since the age of sixteen has worked on his family’s farm, alongside his brother, John and his late father, Edward. Robert has a hay and haylage business which expanded the acreage he overlooked from ninety acres to approximately six hundred. Despite hard times throughout his farming career he has maintained the mindset of “when the going gets tough, the tough get going”. For Robert farming is his life and he loves how his passion is his job, from taking the utmost care of his livestock down to his weathered hands, he is passionate about his work. At the end of the day, he is proud to see a tanker full of milk leave the farmyard with the knowledge that the milk from Smiths Farm is going to feed thousands of people. >

“It is important to talk, regardless of if it just feels like you are having a moan, it is good to be open”

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There are many hardships involved in farming and watching the community around you diminish is tough. The impact of low milk prices has meant that down Grange Lane where there was once thirteen thriving farms in 1992, thirty years later there are now only four, including Roberts. Smiths Farm remains the only traditional dairy farm down the road, Robert explains how “animal welfare is our top priority and turning cows out is something we don’t compromise on.” Despite this, Robert has found it hard witnessing standards drop on other farms and within the industry due to factors outside of most farmers’ control such as government red tape. ‘Talking to people’ is advice most farmers seem more inclined to say than adhere to, but Robert remains unwavering on the notion that “it is important to talk and regardless of if it just feels like you are having a moan, it is good to be open.” Farming can be isolating and for many farmers, up and down the country, it can be hard to acknowledge when things are getting harder to cope with. Talking to charity helplines is a supportive and anonymous way to receive help without feeling overwhelmed at the prospect of talking face to face. ■

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‘this too shall pass’

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The prospect of isolation and time alone can be overwhelming and daunting. Yet for farmers across the country, this is just a part of their day-to-day lives. Here at ted, though we are on a mission to connect isolated and vulnerable British farmers and it only seems right that we provide our readers with advice from across the country from our very own farmers. Farming is a community, and it makes us upset to think that there are those out there who feel alone and blue. We hope the following pieces of advice make you feel less isolated whether that is in a physical or mental way...

from you.

“Keep your chin up and keep that smile on your face. The late nights will soon come to an end and you’ll be back with your mates in the pub. When the suns shining and you’re out busy in the fields just think this is the best time of year. There are lots of people around feeling the same so maybe speak to those you are working with and help each other.” - Edward, Leicester “I believe taking a day off to go to a tractor run or a cattle show with a local farmer can do a world of good.” - Patrick, Dublin “If you work alongside other farmers setting up a rota can be a good way of making sure you get breaks, with it being summer you can get swept away by the nice weather and you just carry on working on autopilot but taking time away to relax at least once a week can prevent burnout and feeling bitter.” - Frank, Skelmersdale >

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“Keep your own goals separate to what everyone else is achieving and take each day as it comes.” - Tom, Stafford “Things can and will get better. Don’t be afraid to ask for professional advice, and sometimes you have to sacrifice a little to save a lot.” - Tom, Lanarkshire “We’re only human, we all feel down from time to time.” - Jamie, Haltwhistle “Get rest when you can - not always easy, but important. Eat healthily and regularly and take multivitamins if doing very long hours - every little helps.” - Will, Kent

“It’s ok to take a break once in awhile. Take it slow.” Jake, Suffolk

“Make sure to try and maintain regular contact with friends and family even when working long hours and talk to them if you’re feeling down.” - Peter, Lancaster “Don’t give up, find something to take your mind off things and keep going and things will come right again.” - Paul, Burnley “Not everything needs to be done on the same day, take time to relax and recharge for the next day. Check-in with others as they may feel a lot worse on the inside than they look on the outside.” - Tom, Worcester “Being organised and prepared can reduce the chance of unwanted surprises and minimises time pressure when jobs need to get done - you can work safer this way.” Jacob, Dublin “You’ll be surprised to know you’re not alone in this. Talk to your friends and neighbours, they aren’t looking to pinch your ideas!” - Ben, Huddersfield “Try and keep your mind focused, try and do things in the order they need to be done. At the end of a long day reflect on all that you have accomplished each day whether it was just a small thing you have to think ‘yes’ that was an accomplishment as well.” James, Yeovil ■

‘keep looking forward’

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the young farmers.

Despite the warmth and sun of summer, it can still be a challenging time for many farmers. The social isolation during harvest time, the unrelenting workload, and the pressure of working long hours are just a few of the struggles faced every day. While the anxieties of farming are nothing new for the older generations, these difficulties will be relatively new for young farmers to tackle for the first time. The young generation of farmers (under 35) make up just 3% of the farming community in the British Isles but a survey carried out by the Farm Safety Foundation disclosed that 92% of farmers under 40 believe poor mental health is the biggest hidden difficulty they face. As a young farmer, you shouldn’t feel the worries of summer (or other seasons) alone. However, we understand here at ted that there is a stigma associated with being vulnerable and voicing concerns you may have about your own and other farmers’ mental health. We felt it was important to connect our readers with some of the young farmers across the country that want to change this narrative and provide our readers with some comfort that you aren’t alone when the going gets tough. We would like to introduce you to the young farmers, Huw and Nick. >

huw.

In what ways have you coped at times when your mental health wasn’t good? “I honestly find going to bed early and looking at the issue with a fresh pair of eyes in the morning makes it easier. Talking it through with someone with more experience helps too as you usually find they have made similar mistakes in the past, so you don’t feel as bad.” How do you think this stigma around men’s mental health can be reduced and what further support would you like to see put in place to help farmers? “I think one person opening up in a circle of friends encourages others to come forward with their issues. Focusing on the most vulnerable will hopefully bring out others who may have issues building up. I think if targeted adverts were placed in existing farming media with questions about a farmers lifestyle to help them spot the signs that they may be struggling and need to find help would promote a more open conversation amongst the farming community.”

Huw is a twenty-four-year-old young farmer who was raised on a family smallholding in Gloucestershire. Growing up he worked on several different farms both with sheep, beef cattle and arable - mainly during half-term holidays while at school and university. Post-graduating Huw has worked full time as a general farm worker on a large mixed farm with the owner and his dad. Growing up in a farming community can often lead to a hardier approach to facing mental health issues. However, Huw provides a fresh perspective on how to cope and look after yourself...

Do you worry about the current and future generation of farmers who are entering an uncertain period of time politically and economically and how they are going to cope?

fact that they are relied on so heavily for food by everyone and managing the countryside for people to enjoy. I often wonder if it would be easier to plant trees and not have the hassle of farming. I imagine most farmers feel trapped having invested money into businesses so they have no choice but to keep going and with the weight of expectations on them.” What do you find the most rewarding aspect of farming is? “Within farming, there is an element of instant progress on all jobs you do whether it be ploughing or lambing, due to this it drives home that the job is worthwhile.” Do you have any advice for young farmers on how to cope? “Get involved with something that takes you away from the farm so you can see the bigger picture and mix with a circle of friends that you can chat and have a laugh with - reinforcing a safe support network. Young Farmers has played a massive part in my life, especially now that I finished uni, it gets me away from the farm and I have people to chat to about how to do things differently.” ■

“It seems farmers are facing an uphill battle at the moment and aren’t seen as valuable members of society; despite the

nick.

How is your mental health at the moment? “I would say at the moment I feel generally good. That isn’t to say I don’t feel strained at times by the pressure of working long hours in a fairly stressful family business and with very limited time off. I am also sometimes anxious that I should be experiencing other things at this stage in my life rather than committing to dairying and all the work involved.” What do you find the most rewarding aspect of farming is? “Running a profitable business which is able to invest in capital projects such as land, buildings, machinery etc. As well as the satisfaction of producing top quality crops and livestock and maintaining a tidy and productive farm is incredibly rewarding”

Nick is a twenty-four-year-old BSc (Hons) Agriculture graduate from Harper Adams University, who grew up on his family dairy farm in Devon, where he has since returned on graduating. Despite his dedication to the family business he divulged that he sometimes feels anxious that he should be “experiencing other things at this stage in his life rather than committing to dairying and all the work involved”. In the age of social media, the fear of missing out is an emotion many young people struggle with. The ability to constantly see other people’s life ‘highlights’ on social media leaves many wondering if they could be doing more. FOMO isn’t a feeling that can be easily avoided but taking time away from social media is a starting point for combating the sadness of such. Nick isn’t alone in his anxiety and neither are you...

Generally what do you find the hardest aspect of farming is?

How do you think this stigma around men’s mental health can be reduced and what further support would you like to see put in place to help farmers? “I would like to see more articles on the matter in the farming press such as Farmers Weekly and Farmers Guardian etc. Furthermore, I think there should be more government support for farming which would reduce stress levels created by labour shortages and legislative burden - in turn improving mental health.” How have you coped as a farmer through the years? “I aim to try and put aside some time for myself, even if this is just a small amount of time in the evening, to decompress or even chat with university friends who live further away. I definitely find when I have the opportunity to take time away from the farm it helps me to reflect on how lucky I am to be involved in a successful family farm.” ■

“I find that the long working hours can take a toll on my mental health alongside the lack of opportunity for time off. I also find the intensity of working and living with members of my family and meeting their expectations can be quite overwhelming at times.”

‘leave your worries at the door’

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looking after yourself.

Making yourself a priority can be hard, especially as a farmer. Long hours, financial strain and isolation are a few contributing factors that we know can lead to poor mental health. Finding time to look after yourself can feel like a chore but falling at the first stile isn’t our style at ted. During summer the days are longer so it can often feel as though you should be making the most of the opportunity but taking time to reflect is also an opportunity for growth and can be as refreshing as a cloudy lemonade during harvest. The ‘ted guide to looking after yourself’ will provide you with an understanding of how to cope during stressful times and ways to make you feel all round a bit more chipper over the course of the next few months...

worry not. Worrying is part of human nature and comes with the nature of being a farmer. Often your worry can stem from a plethora of issues, however, these worries don’t have to be faced alone and they can be managed. -

Setting realistic, specific and positive goals can be a short term way to curb any anxieties about current problems you may face on the farm. Keeping a ‘worry journal’ to jot down anything you feel may help you to understand why you are feeling trapped by this emotion and help you focus on if this worry is something you can proactively find a solution to in the short term.

Being reflective is also proven to help you feel supported during periods of worry. For example, writing down five areas of your life that feel important to you at that moment can help you prioritise your mind and find focus.

Acknowledging what type of worries you are facing can also help you dispel any unwanted feelings. By separating your worries into categories you will be able to work through each worry and shake any that you can’t find practical solutions to at the moment. Categories you can split your worries into can include: ‘not important’, ‘important and can be solved’ and ‘important but cannot be solved’.

Sometimes setting aside time during the day to do all your worrying can stop you from becoming overwhelmed at other times. Allocating some quiet time may sound intimidating at first, as sitting with your thoughts might be daunting, but there is no pressure for this time to be super long, 20 minutes can be all you need. Make sure during this time you are alone, away from your phone and try not to do this just before bed as it may cause more worry.

Hopefully, by using some of these methods you will start to see an improvement in your ability to handle situations. Worrying is normal but worrying too much can be debilitating and if you believe your worrying is manifesting as something more such as Generalised Anxiety Disorder, you must seek out advice from a GP or other mental health services. ■

‘you can’t let everything pile up’ 64

‘worry time’

a safe space to get anything off your mind...

‘my worries’

categorising your worries is solution focused and can provide you with a new perpsective...

‘not important’

‘important and can be solved’

‘important but cannot be solved’

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spotting the signs. As a farmer, it is both part of your job and in your nature to take heed of warning signs, whether that be an engine warning light on your tractor or a cow in distress during calving. Being engaged and aware is vital in farming and especially when it comes to mental health. For decades men and farmers have found it easier to bottle up emotions creating a hardy exterior. Noticing when people are struggling is particularly difficult so keeping in contact with any farming friends, family or neighbours will often make it easier to spot any warning signs of deteriorating mental health. Yellow Wellies have created comprehensive lists of what changes to look out for amongst fellow farming friends and family if you think they may be having a hard time. Noticing these signs may save a life or at the least spark a conversation and make someone realise they are less alone. Reminder: everyone experiences mental health problems in different ways. Therefore, the warning signs will differ for each individual but there are subtle signs that may alert you to the fact that someone is struggling whether this is through physical changes, personality changes or behavioural changes. >

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Physical Frequent headaches or stomach upsets Suffering from frequent minor illnesses Difficulty sleeping or constant tiredness Being run down Lack of care over appearance Sudden weight loss or gain

Emotional and behavioural Irritability, aggression or tearfulness Being withdrawn, not participating in conversations or social activities Increased arguments or conflict with others Increased consumption of caffeine, alcohol, cigarettes or sedatives Indecision, inability to concentrate Erratic or socially unacceptable behaviour Being louder or more exuberant than usual Loss of confidence Difficulty remembering things Loss of humour

At work Increased mistakes, missing deadlines or forgetting tasks Taking on too much work and volunteering for every new job Someone who is normally on time arriving late Working too many hours: first in, last out Increased sickness absence More information about supporting yourself and others when experiencing mental health can be found online via the charity Yellow Wellies - Mind Your Head ■

‘sometimes you just need a new perspective’

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Exercise Being cramped up in a tractor cab all day can often leave you feeling down so we suggest going for a run or heading to a local gym to get your body moving. Exercising is known to release serotonin and dopamine, these chemicals provide feelings of happiness and optimism. Even just a quick jog to the end of the lane could make you feel a whole lot better after a hard day.

Return to Nature Despite the fact, that your days will be spent in the countryside you may notice you aren’t appreciating the little joys of nature. Furthermore, you may spend your evenings flicking between screens and absorbing too much blue light. During summer swapping your evening scroll for an evening stroll may help ground you and leave you feeling revitalised. Having a friend tag along may make you feel more motivated as well.

Mindfulness

advice.

There are an abundance of charities that have been set up across the UK to provide support and aid to farmers and farming families. The advice provided by charities is plentiful but may feel overwhelming and you may not know where to begin when seeking help. So here at ted, we thought it might be useful to provide you with a basic list of basic advice.

We acknowledge this advice isn’t the same as seeking professional support, but we hope it gives you food for thought next time you feel overwhelmed.

Us recommending meditation may sound a bit cliché but the benefits are welldocumented! A study discovered that spending just ten minutes a day using a mindfulness app, for three months, reduced feelings of anxiety by up to 57%.

Confide A common emotion associated with poor mental health is feeling as though you are a burden; which may mean you withhold from telling your close friends and family how you feel. However, confiding in a close friend has been known to provide relief, especially during hard times. Remember: ‘a problem shared is a problem halved.’

Water Drinking water may sound like strange advice as it is a natural human instinct but more often than not when we are busy we tend to simply forget to do it regularly. One study found men who lost 1.5% of their body weight in water had increased feelings of tension and anxiety. So next time you feel slightly out of sorts taking a minute to down some cool water will help you more than you probably realise.

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‘take a moment for yourself’

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stay alive app. The Stay Alive app is a pocket-sized suicide prevention resource providing useful information and tools to help you stay safe in a crisis. You can use it if you are having thoughts of suicide or if you are concerned about someone else who may be considering suicide. The app is accessible on iOS and Android devices as well as online. Features on the app include: -

A safety plan with customisable reasons for living A LifeBox where you can store photos and memories that hold importance to you Strategies for staying safe and tips on how to stay grounded when you’re feeling overwhelmed Guided-breathing exercises and an interactive wellness plan Direct links to local and national crisis resources

When you feel as though things are difficult taking five to ten minutes in a safe space to review how you feel can be a positive step.

stay alive grounding techniques 1. Do an activity that requires focus and attention, this will help to calm your mind and your body. 2. Think about a place or activity from your life, that reminds you of a time when you felt safe and calm; try to remember in your mind and body how that felt. 3. Breathe slowly and steadily from your belly, as best you can, and imagine letting go of pain as you breathe out. 4. Stroke your hands over your body; be aware of physical sensations as you do this and try to reassure and calm yourself as you do this. 5. Pay attention to your senses: what can you see, hear, smell, taste or feel? 6. Move: try walking, stretching, bending and pay attention to how your body moves and feels in the moment

scan the QR code to be taken to the app

7. Try holding yourself and rocking yourself, soothing yourself with words. 8. Use your voice: try talking or reading aloud. 9. Write down how you are feeling and what you are thinking.

Disclaimer: This app is intended as a self-help and educational tool and is not intended as a substitute for professional services. Please seek support from a crisis service, doctor or mental health service if you are thinking about suicide.

10. Try imagining a friend of yours is struggling in the same way you are. How would you try and support them?

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‘rest’

a helping hand.

Staying Safe offers online resources for people experiencing suicidal thoughts to help keep them safe. Web: www.stayingsafe.net/ The Farming Community Network offers free, confidential, pastoral and practical support. Tel: 03000 111 999 (open from 7am-11pm) Web: www.fcn.org.uk Yellow Wellies provides guidance on how to be safe on the farm. Web: https://www.yellowwellies.org/ Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide is a charity dedicated to providing support to adults who have been bereaved by suicide. Tel: 0300 111 5065 Web: www.uk-sobs.org.uk Samaritans offer to listen and support people and communities in their times of need. Tel (free): 116 123 We Are Farming Minds is helping raise mental health awareness in the rural communities of Herefordshire.

The YANA Project provide support for farmers in Norfolk, Suffolk and Worcestershire struggling with their mental health.

DPJ Foundation (Wales) aims to support people in rural communities with poor mental health, especially men in the agricultural sector.

Web: www.yanahelp.org/

Helpline: 0800 587 4262

RABI are a charity that provides local support to the farming community across England and Wales.

NHS Medical advice 111 Suicide risk or any other life-threatening emergency dial 999

Freephone Helpline 0800 188 4444 PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide is a UK charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide and the promotion of positive mental wellbeing in young people. HopelineUK: 0800 068 4141 or Text: 07860 039967 Growing Well is a Cumbria and North Lancashire mental health charity providing support to Farmers on building back their mental health. Helpline: 07903 013648 Upper Teesdale Agricultural Support Service provide support to the Durham Dales, focusing on helping those having rural problems before a point of crisis is reached. Web: http://www.utass.org/

Web: nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/nhsservices/mental-health-services Rural Support Northern Ireland provides impartial guidance for farmers and farm family members in support of their farm business and personal wellbeing. Practical Support: (weekdays 9am-9pm)

0845

6067607

Web: www.ruralsupport.org.uk The Addington Fund provides homes to farming families living in England and Wales who have to leave the industry, through no fault of their own. Tel: 01926 620135 Web: www.addingtonfund.org.uk

If you are in need of support please do not hesitate to get in touch with one of these charities.

24-hour helpline: o808 802 0070

ted

‘sometimes there are bumps in the road’

ted

ta-ra.

So as the summer nights draw longer we hope you find comfort in knowing you aren’t alone in your struggles. Summer heat can be dizzying and so can the prospect of being vulnerable; taking time to breathe and do some grounding techniques may find you some relief. We hope here at ted that the advice and resources we have provided will support you. Remember this is a learning process and progress can take time, some days will be better than others. However, we encourage that if you feel as though you are reaching a crisis point you contact professionals for further support. We wish you all the best for the summer months on your farm, may the weather be in your favour and we hope even on the rainiest of days you try and remain optimistic that better days are ahead. Ta-ra for now, we’ll see you in Autumn,

ted.

we’ll see you in autumn.

summer days. by Christopher Victor Russon Summer days and heatwaves Sweat pouring down our skin Working hard no time to rest From the time the day begins. Bailing hay without a shade Not a single cloud insight Gathering all the barely corn We work until the night. Now tomorrow is another day Our work load it will keep We may be striming hedge grows Or we may be shearing sheep. But we really are not bothered We’ve been farmers far too long We carry out our dutys And sometimes with a song. Our lives are hard but simple We are living the country life Away from the city and the fumes From cars and such alike. You see we have this hideaway A little place down in the vale So come along and join us At the end of a farmers day

£9 summer 22 www.tedpress.co.uk