“Mental health issues can affect anybody at any time from any walk of life,” George Graham told a rapt audience in Enniscorthy last Monday. “I’m getting phone calls every day from farmers in dire straits. It’s not all financial – there are a lot of other problems and issues out there.”

Graham, one of Ireland’s best-known sheep shearers, spoke candidly and movingly of his own struggles with anxiety and depression. He said he came close to suicide, but offered hope to anyone struggling in what has been a very difficult time on farms.

Ironically, the beautiful evening meant farmers were busy, but there still was a good attendance. The event was organised by Patrick Hipwell, a farmer from nearby Ballindaggin. It was timed to coincide with the sixth See Change Green Ribbon campaign, which runs through May. IFA, ICMSA, ICSA, the ICA and Macra are all See Change partners.

Shauna O’Connor of See Change said the entire supply of 500,000 green ribbons had been exhausted by the eve of the campaign’s launch. Previously, the highest number of ribbons produced was the 300,000 in 2017. Shauna spoke of the stigma of mental health that hampers the ability of people to seek assistance. “People need to feel respected and understood,” she said.

The Mental Health Parity bill is expected to pass soon with cross party support, and local TD James Browne, the Fianna Fáil spokesman on mental health, believes it is an important step: “It will compel senior decision-makers in the Department of Health to treat mental health on a par with physical well-being.” Browne spoke of the importance of rural communities. “Loneliness and isolation exacerbate every single mental health condition,” he said.

Marie Lyng of AIB highlighted the willingness of banks to help farmers through financial stress periods, and the importance of early engagement and realistic planning. She reported no discernible increase so far this year in farmer demand for extra funding over other years. Deirdre Doyle of Teagasc highlighted the need for a clear and untroubled mind when farming. Jobs need to be thought through in advance so there is awareness of potential dangers, she said.