The farming profession is undoubtedly unique and causes farmers to be exposed to numerous unique occupational stressors. Small amounts of stress can help us stay motivated and can actually improve our performance and productivity. However, persistently high levels of stress can negatively affect the functionality, as well as the well-being of our bodies and minds. Suicide is typically associated with mental health – something that is specifically stigmatized and poorly understood in rural areas. This; as well as various factors such as weather conditions, natural disasters, agricultural policy, intergenerational relations, financial problems, unavailability of many services, bureaucracy, geographical isolation, alcoholism, and many others affect the farmers’ behaviour when seeking help. The empirical part of the thesis presents how farmers and agricultural consultants recognize the problem with mental health in rural areas. It also presents the main reason (according to their opinion) that causes farmers to suffer due to poor mental health and, consequently, to commit suicide.
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