Gillian O’Sullivan: Suicide stats underline the importance of farmers minding our mental health

Normalising the conversation around chronic work-related farm stress and responding with coping mechanisms can bring immense positivity

Gillian O’Sullivan with her husband Neil on their farm in Dungarvan, Co Waterford. Photo: Gerry Mooney

Gillian O'Sullivan

‘Stand up if you know someone who struggles with their mental health.” The whole audience is quickly on their feet.

“Stay standing if you know someone who has died by suicide.” The majority of the room stays standing and goosebumps raise across my arm as the whole room gets a collective realisation of how serious an issue mental health in agriculture is.