Find Support This Blue Monday
Monday, the 20th of January, also known as Blue Monday, is often claimed to be the saddest day of the year, supposedly determined by a complex formula involving shorter days, dark skies, colder weather, post-holiday blues, and New Year’s resolutions already slipping away.
That’s what marketers in the travel industry would have us believe, anyway.
The truth is, there’s no such thing as the saddest day. For many people, any day can feel like the saddest day. Stressful lives, feelings of isolation, and numerous other factors can lead to a state of depression and futility that feels impossible to escape.
Mental Health in the Workplace
In 2024, World Mental Health Day focused on mental health in the workplace, emphasising how our fast-paced lives contribute to chronic stress and burnout among employees. Regularly checking in with colleagues can make a significant difference. Simply talking about mental health helps us cope better with life’s ups and downs.
Those in supportive workplaces with caring colleagues and attentive managers often find comfort in their environment. But what about professions where the workplace is also the home? Where stepping away from the desk isn’t an option? Or jobs where you spend your day alone in remote, outdoor conditions?
The Challenges Farmers Face
Farmers confront unique and demanding challenges daily. From acting as managers and caretakers to problem-solvers, they often shoulder immense responsibility. When you’re self-employed, managing a farm and caring for animals, the buck stops with you.
Farmers work long hours, often starting before sunrise and finishing well into the night, braving whatever the weather brings. In the UK, the average working week for a farmer is 65 hours- significantly more than the national average.
For farmers, the shorter days and colder temperatures of winter mean Blue Monday might feel like more than just a marketing ploy. It’s a timely reminder to prioritise mental health, especially for vulnerable groups like farmers, who face heightened stress during seasonal peaks.
Farmers Dealing with Mental Stress
The Farm Safety Foundation's "Mind Your Head" campaign encourages agricultural workers to address the root causes of stress, anxiety, and poor mental health.
One of our RSPCA Assured assessors, who volunteers for the Farming Community Network (FCN) helpline, shared their perspective:
“Farmers dedicate their lives to caring for their animals. I think about my own busy life with a child, husband, and pets, and then imagine having hundreds or even thousands of animals relying on me daily. It’s a huge responsibility, and it can be incredibly hard to switch off.”
Issues Faced by Farmers
Farmers contend with a range of challenges, including:
- Isolation: Working in remote areas limits access to community support. Rural environments often lack resources like high-speed internet, making virtual chats and other coping mechanisms less accessible.
- Environmental factors: Floods, droughts, snow, road closures, and wildlife pose constant hurdles.
- Financial pressures: Like everyone else, farmers feel the strain of rising costs, but the stakes are often higher in agriculture.
Facing such challenges alone can be overwhelming, which is why prioritising mental health support is vital, not just on Blue Monday but every day of the week.
Ways to Support Mental Health
The theme of World Mental Health Day 2024, It’s Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace, resonates deeply with the sentiment behind Blue Monday. Whether you’re a farmer, carer, teacher, office worker, or travel marketer, the steps to protect mental health are universal:
- Talk about your feelings: Sharing emotions can help process them and reduce stress.
- Take breaks: Even short pauses during the day can improve clarity and focus.
- Stay active: Regular physical activity boosts mood and energy levels.
Ask for help: Reach out to friends, family, or professional organisations when needed.
The Specific Challenges of RSPCA Assured Farmers
We are incredibly proud of our farming members, who demonstrate exceptional commitment to high animal welfare standards. This often involves going above and beyond, such as providing environmental enrichment to allow animals to express natural behaviours. Examples include areas for pigs to root, perches for hens, and objects for pecking and play.
While these practices enhance animal welfare, they also add to the everyday pressures faced by farmers.
About the author
Jodie - Website Manager
Jodie is RSPCA Assured's Website Manager.