Heartbroken farmer speaks out. Inheritance tax & financial strain deeply impact mental health leading to crisis.
One farmer, Daniel, said it feels like a “pressure cooker.” He felt close to ending his life, but he spoke to someone and now helps others. Farming can bring pride, but the pressure of taxes impacts mental health a lot. Daniel said farmers feel misrepresented.
Stephanie from the Farm Safety Foundation pleads for assistance and wants Labour to help farmers in distress. Charities need less pressure, she explained. Farmers often wait until crisis before seeking support, making early help clearly very crucial.
The Farm Safety Foundation started a campaign in 2018. Farmers’ mental health has declined in recent years, alongside rising financial strain and policy changes. Rural isolation makes things even tougher for farmers, who work long hours.
The inheritance tax sparks a bigger conversation, highlighting what these challenges do to people. Matt, a farmer, had to sell his farm after building it up over time. The challenges felt constant, he explained.
Most farmers think poor mental health is a big problem. Matt also rejects the idea of wealthy farmers, saying real farmers drive old trucks and wear worn clothes. He found help from the Farm Safety Foundation and now supports others too.
Matt still loves farming despite everything, calling it a lifestyle, not just a job. He forces himself to stay positive. Stephanie wants the Government to act fast and emphasizes suicide prevention efforts.
Stephanie states farmers are protecting our food and believes policymakers need reliable information. She wants them to address rural struggles. Farming is deeply important to these hardworking people, and they desperately need governmental support.