The FarmFaMHealth team at Dublin City University (DCU), in collaboration with Teagasc, is conducting a survey to investigate the mental wellbeing of Irish farm families.

The research, titled ‘Mental Health Help-seeking in Irish Farm Families’, aims to gain a deeper understanding of the mental health challenges faced by adult members of farming families, excluding farmers and farm workers themselves.

This study is designed to gather insights into the mental health experiences, coping strategies and attitudes towards seeking support within these families.

Researchers are particularly focused on exploring mental health literacy and help-seeking intentions within the farming community.

To facilitate this aim, researchers have said that they first must understand the current rates of mental health issues, mental health literacy and help-seeking intentions, as well as associated factors in Irish farming families.

The survey, which takes 20-25 minutes to complete is open to anyone over the age of 18 who is part of an Irish farming family.

It includes questions about mental health issues, burnout, coping mechanisms and other related factors and any information supplied will be treated as anonymous.

The findings from the study will help identify the mental health challenges faced by farming families, allowing the research team to develop tailored interventions aimed at improving mental health awareness and support within the community.

The FarmFaMHealth team has encouraged anyone eligible to take part, as their contribution will help shape future mental health resources and educational initiatives aimed at supporting Irish farming families.

The survey can be accessed via the Teagasc website.