“NINETY-FIVE per cent of young farmers in the UK say poor mental health is the biggest hidden danger in the industry. If you agree, give me a hug or take a flower.
These are the words of Co Antrim student Daniel Boomer (22), who is studying agriculture, food production and technology at Harper Adams University in Shropshire as he prepares to manage his family’s small holding, mainly growing a variety of grasses.
It’s Daniel’s passion, but he has another commitment which is so very close to his heart.
The Co Antrim man is part of an experimental recording which has gone viral, with three million plays and counting: all over the world, people are learning that young farmers suffer extreme mental health issues and that many end up taking their own lives.
As the university’s Farm Safety Ambassador, Daniel is getting the message across in a powerful way: a 90-second video taken at the Royal Welsh Agricultural Show shows him blindfolded, standing in his yellow wellies and holding his sign, with a bunch of yellow roses at his feet – and with a stream of people waiting to have an embrace.
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A HUG FROM THE HEART
Over 200 people stopped to engage with Daniel on a cold day last November.
Although he describes the experience as often being raw with emotion, he was warmed by the overwhelming reaction he received.
One elderly lady says “You’ll have to come down a bit darling, you’re too tall for me”. Daniel is indeed tall, at six feet eight inches, and as he bends to hug her his charming smile is just visible below the blindfold.
A man hugs him saying “I know what it’s like, mate” and moves on, seemingly relieved that he has made contact with someone else who understands. Another woman tells Daniel that there’s “nothing in this world that’s too big, you can face it ‘cause you’re strong.”
There were those who confided that a member of their family had taken their own life, and Daniel had a kind and encouraging word for them all.
HEARTBREAK
Daniel has lost several friends to suicide and has struggled with his own mental health.
Diagnosed with autism when he was a child, he has learned how to manage the condition – however, he has had his demons, to the extent that he thought of taking his own life.
It was close but he stopped long enough to rationalise the potential effect of his actions. It has left him with a deep understanding and strong desire to help others – he is a remarkable.
“Last year, I lost a good mate and it was devastating,” Daniel explains.
“What could he have done to escape what he was experiencing? There’s always a gateway to open, it won’t take away the problems, but realising how to deal with them is important, how to look for the triggers.
“There are dangers and pressures all round, especially on the farm: climate change, finance, accidents and emotions. Although I find it very challenging talking to someone about their problems, I believe it’s important to have a network – not on social media, but friends meeting and talking.”
When I spoke to this engaging young man, he was baling straw, preparing it for travelling back to farms in Northern Ireland. Last autumn, he personally prepared 12,500 large bales with his hi-tech machinery while working 120 hours in a week.
Daniel Boomer left me with the thought: “Mental health needs more sunlight, more honesty and more conversations. Mind your head.”
Please watch Daniel’s video at FB.com/yellowwelliesuk.
SPECIAL EDUCATION DAY
Thankfully, menopause is now talked about out loud, whereas it used to be whispered about as “the change of life”.
I recall my mother arriving at the door looking distressed: “I feel awful, I’d think it’s ‘the change’, but it couldn’t be because I have no hormones.”
That’s how misunderstood this natural progression in a woman’s life – with some elements in a man’s life, too – used to be. Now, it’s easier to get information and to talk to sympathetic professionals.
But where do they get their information?
As a practice nurse, Liz Wenden-Kerr set up the first menopause cafe in Belfast, where women could chat to each other, compare notes and get information.
She has lobbied government for support – not very successfully, but she hasn’t given up. On July 18, she will launch an online course for those working on the subject.
“Although the government’s response was neither positive nor surprising, there’s one great outcome,” she reports.
“I have developed a free CPD accredited menopause course in conjunction with Dr Vikram Talaulikar.
“We will be delivering this online on July 18, it’s accessible to practice nurses north and south of the border.”