There is one new compliance issue that I would like to see implemented — and if not officially, then morally at least. Basic mental health knowledge, including how to identify and help another human who is suffering mentally. This should be in your health and safety plan.

One of the most significant factors that has emerged within my research findings has been that it appears that farm owners/managers need more training and knowledge around mental health issues. Multiple studies across various countries also confirm my findings.

By understanding the experiences of your staff and being willing and able to talk with them about what is occurring for them will have multiple benefits. In any industry, staff turnover is a costly problem.

Retaining staff who are happy and well cared for will cost you less in the long run. Your staff will be more productive if they are contented, and they will likely be more invested in their jobs and your farm. Think about it: a staff member who starts out working for you who feels safe enough to let their guard down and be real about what might be going on for them will be more likely to seek help, stay and become a better employee. This is a win-win situation.

So, who is most at risk?

Everyone is at risk of developing poor mental health, particularly young men under 30. Young people will likely be missing their family and will have underdeveloped life skills. Watch them carefully and if possible, have them over for a meal with your family occasionally.

Risk factors for poor mental health include:

· If they have moved straight out of home to live and work on your farm, away from support networks

· Pre-existing mental health issues

· Experiencing interpersonal conflict or relationship breakdown

· Experiencing chronic ongoing physical pain

· Using drugs or alcohol to self-medicate

What can you say?

Saying the wrong thing is almost worse than saying nothing. The worst way to address such issues is with false positivity — "you have so much going for you. Look at your Hilux and all your dogs" or "look on the bright side — you’re employed" and so on.

Often when someone talks about an issue they are having, those listening will try to jump in and solve the problem. This can sound really invalidating — they have likely already thought through every possibility before coming to you Saying something like "that sounds like a complete shit-show — what can I do to help you?" is a hundred times better. And a bit of a relief to know that you don’t have to fix anything.

Ask open-ended questions and try not to pass judgement or blame them for their problems. Avoiding eye contact can make them more comfortable — leaning over a fence or talking in a vehicle and having a bit of a yarn is far preferable. Let them speak — don’t be afraid of silence. Think of it like giving them the space to say what is on their mind. Really listen to what they say.

On the flipside, when things are going well, tell them. Say "well done" or "great job" — these two words could mean everything to your staff, especially young ones. Say more if you can — they want to please you and want to do a good job, so if they are doing well, let them know. It’s so easy to do and so meaningful for them.

Warning signs include:

· Changes/withdrawing from social contact and enjoyed activities

· Increased drinking or drug consumption.

· Any talk about "ending it all" or not wanting to be here. Don’t be afraid to ask if they are thinking of taking their own life — this will not increase the risk.

· More risky behaviour such as driving fast, reckless spending, promiscuity, picking fights etc.

· Sleeping more or less, including regularly sleeping in and being late for work.

· Changes in eating habits.

Help at hand

If you are worried about a someone and have successfully spoken to them, there is help out there — it’s just hard sometimes to know where to look. The first port of call is often a GP, who can prescribe medication if necessary and refer them on to counselling or a psychologist, depending on the area and what is available. There are funding streams available through Brief Intervention, Rural Support Trust, Gumboot Friday for 25s and under, ACC and many more.

Don’t be afraid to have the conversation.

Kathryn Wright

Registered Counsellor

MNZAC

Mental Health First Aid instructor

Help lines/websites:

Mental Health NZ free Open Minds e-learning for managers: https://mentalhealth.org.nz/workplaces/open-minds-e-learning

Phone 111 if the danger is immediate

Farmstrong: https://farmstrong.co.nz/

Will to Live: https://www.willtolivenz.com/

1317 Need to Talk: Phone/text 1317 24 hours or website: https://1737.org.nz/

Lifeline Aotearoa: 24 hours. https://www.lifeline.org.nz/

By Kathryn Wright

Registered counsellor

www.kathrynwright.co.nz