Rural isolation raises threat of mental illness

The threat of mental illness and suicide among Galway’s farmers is heightened by loneliness and isolation, it was warned this week.

The Government was accused of failing mental health services after a new survey revealed that over half of farmers have had a direct experience of suicide.

The study, by the ICMSA, found that 53% of farmers had been affected by suicide, with 16% having dealt with it in their immediate or wider family.

Galway East TD, Colm Keaveney, says the survey results are worrying and reveal how farmers are being abandoned in the ‘urban-rural divide’.

“The dismantling of essential services in rural locations has irreversibly damaged the fabric of many communities in County Galway,” said Deputy Keaveney.

He added: “The closure of Garda stations, post offices and banks not only saw the removal of vital services, but also the loss of a vital social outlet for people living in remote or isolated areas.

Many farmers live on their own and may not meet other people unless they venture into their nearest village or town. For them, the threat of mental illness and suicide is heightened by loneliness and isolation.

“A series of crises within the agriculture sector has put more pressure on farmers, many of whom are already struggling to keep their businesses viable. The fodder crisis last year, combined with ongoing problems in the beef industry has seen many farmers dealing with complex financial situations, often on their own.”

Deputy Keaveney said Aware and Pieta House have made great advances in raising awareness about suicide and mental health issues buy, he said, “the Government is continuing to fail mental health services”.

“Many of the targets set in the Vision for Change programme have still not been met, and there is now a realisation that the strategy needs to be radically overhauled.

The budget for mental health services needs to be properly resourced and ring-fenced, rather than raided and spent in other areas, as has been the case over the past few years.

Minister Kathleen Lynch has a responsibility to fight to protect these essential supports, and it is only through sustained investment and increased access that we will be able to achieve meaningful reform of our mental health services,” added Deputy Keaveney.

Anyone feeling suicidal, depressed or troubled can contact the following lifelines anonymously: Console – 1800 201890, the Samaritans – 1850 609090, 1 Life on 1800 247100 or text HELP to 51444.