Impact of Stress Management Strategies and Intervention on the Mental Health of Farmers a Critically Appraised Topic (original) (raw)

Focused Question What stress management strategies and interventions are most effective in reducing stress and promoting positive mental health of farmers negatively impacted by work stressors? Clinical Scenario The dynamic transactions between the environment, person, and occupation play a role in the success of the farmer, their access to healthcare, and their willingness to seek support with their stressors or difficulties. Depression, stress, and other mental health conditions are highly prevalent within the farming community. This population is less likely to seek out and utilize available mental health resources and services, and in many cases, mental health resources are not available in rural areas (Gunn et al., 2021; Kennedy et al., 2020). The environment plays a major role in the mental health of farmers. This includes the physical and social environment. Aspects of the physical environment include the plot of land that the farmers cultivate, the animals that they raise, climate factors, and the limited access to healthcare that is often associated with rural areas. Unpredictable climate and weather contribute to stress in the farming community (Gunn et al., 2012; Gunn et al., 2021). Climate change and its effect on the environment is a rising concern of farmers. Climate change and other environmental factors can drastically alter farmers' land and dictate production. The livelihood and financial stability of each farmer depends on crop production, and the success of the harvest. Lack of production can result in higher levels of stress for farmers, which can lead to more mental health problems (Gunn et al., 2012; Gunn et al., 2021). There is also a stigma associated with mental health within the social environment of the farming community. Farmers tend to normalize and ignore their physical and mental health conditions, which leads to fewer people accessing the health services that they need. Ignoring these physical and mental health conditions may be linked to the stigma of not being healthy enough to run the farm (Kennedy et al., 2020). Work stressors can negatively impact the health and well-being of both farmers and their families, and farming is said to have a high-stress work environment (Stier-Jarmer et al., 2020). Farming can become more difficult for workers in high stress environments as mental health conditions increase, and research suggests that mental health conditions can lead to cognitive decline and physical health problems (Gunn et al., 2021). There is growing evidence that those involved in farming are at higher risk of developing mental health problems (Gunn et al., 2021). The occupation of farming keeps farmers active, which can reduce the risks of diseases such as cancer and diabetes; however, it can lead to higher rates of depression (Brumby et al., 2009). The occupation of farming can lead to many physical and mental impairments due to the high stress work environment and risk for physical injury. Farming is a dangerous job that includes many stressors. Farmers are at high risk of stress due to risk factors such as pesticide exposure, the uncertainty of the market, financial problems, time constraints, loss of livestock or property, and governmental regulations (Gunn et al., 2012; Gunn et al., 2021). All of these stress factors contribute to the high rates of mental health conditions that are seen with farmers. Gunn et al. (2021) suggested that this lifestyle makes individuals more vulnerable to mental health conditions such as stress, anxiety, and depression. The occupation of farming and the role of being a farmer can cause high levels of stress, all of which can result in mental health conditions and a higher prevalence of suicide (Gunn et al., 2012; Gunn et al., 2021