Supporting Mental Health in Deer Management
As we mark World Mental Health Day (10th October), it is important to recognise the unique mental health challenges faced by rural workers, including those involved in deer management and its associated activities. While time in nature can be restorative, rural isolation, long hours, and the emotional aspects of the work can take a toll on mental well-being.
In May 2023 the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee published a report highlighting the urgent need to address mental health issues in rural England, including those in agricultural and related sectors.
Mental Health in Rural England: Key Findings
The EFRA Committee’s 2023 report on rural mental health emphasises that the available data on mental health in rural England is incomplete and doesn’t fully reflect the experiences of rural communities. For deer managers and stalkers, the isolation inherent in their work and the emotional weight of managing wildlife can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and stress. The report also identifies several factors affecting mental health in rural areas:
- Economic pressures: Ongoing impacts of Brexit, Covid-19, and rising living costs are increasing stress for those in rural jobs.
- Access to services: Mental health services are often centralised in towns and cities, making them harder to access for rural communities.
- Isolation: Rural life, while connected to nature, can also lead to significant isolation, which is a major risk factor for poor mental health.
Tips for Deer Managers to Look After Mental Well-being
There are steps we can take as individuals to protect and enhance our mental health. Based on expert recommendations and rural-specific insights, here are some practical tips:
1. Break the Isolation
The isolation of rural work can be both a blessing and a curse. While solitude can provide peace, it can also contribute to feelings of loneliness. Make an effort to maintain regular contact with friends, family, or colleagues, even if it’s through quick messages or phone calls. Joining local or online groups related to conservation or deer management can help build connections with others who understand your work.
2. Access Mental Health Services
While it may be challenging, finding and accessing mental health services is vital. The EFRA report highlighted the difficulty rural workers face in accessing these services, but it’s important to be proactive in seeking support, whether through rural-specific helplines, digital therapy services, or community-based mental health resources.
3. Using Nature to Reduce Stress
Spending time in nature has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety. Deer managers and stalkers are in a unique position to take advantage of this. While you’re out in the field, take extra time to focus on the sounds, sights, and sensations around you which lie outside your normal activities. This can help reduce stress and bring a sense of calm and connection to your environment.
4. Routine and Balance
Rural work often involves long and irregular hours, particularly during busy seasons. Where possible, try to maintain a routine that includes regular sleep, healthy meals, and time for relaxation. Small rituals, like an evening walk or a cup of tea after a day’s work, can help establish a sense of normalcy.
5. Acknowledge Emotional Stress
Deer management and the work activities it involves can have an emotional impact. It’s important to acknowledge these feelings rather than suppress them. Reach out to others in your profession who may have similar experiences, and don’t hesitate to seek counselling or support if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
6. Join the Conversation
One of the key recommendations from the EFRA report was that more needs to be done to integrate mental health into the conversation about rural and agricultural work. Talking openly about mental health and encouraging others to do the same can reduce the stigma surrounding the topic. By fostering open discussions, we can create a supportive environment for all in the deer management community.
7. Celebrate Achievements
Finally, take time to recognise the positive impact your work has on conservation and the natural environment. Reflecting on your achievements can help maintain a sense of purpose and fulfilment, both of which are critical for good mental health.
The Road Ahead
The EFRA Committee’s recommendations include establishing a joint rural mental health team to ensure that the unique needs of rural workers are recognised and addressed within national health policies. These efforts, alongside targeted initiatives for those working in agriculture and related sectors, such as suicide prevention resources and better access to mental health services, represent essential steps toward improving mental health outcomes for deer managers and others in rural communities.
For now, as individuals and as a community, we can support one another by staying connected, taking steps to protect our own mental health, and pushing for systemic change that ensures mental health care is accessible for everyone, no matter how remote their location.
If you’re experiencing challenges, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Resources like mental health first aid training, helplines, and community-based services are available to support rural workers. Let’s work together to ensure that mental health remains a priority in our field.
Mental Health Support
UK-Wide Support
- Samaritans
Available 24/7 for anyone struggling to cope or experiencing emotional distress, including those in rural areas.
Website: samaritans.org
Helpline: 116 123 (24/7) - Mind
A leading mental health charity providing mental health information, support, and campaigning for better mental health services across the UK. Mind offers specialised resources for rural mental health.
Website: mind.org.uk - Mental Health Foundation
Works to improve mental health for everyone in the UK and offers resources, advice, and support for individuals facing mental health challenges.
Website: mentalhealth.org.uk - Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)
Focuses on preventing suicide and offering support for men in distress, with resources available for those in rural communities.
Website: thecalmzone.net
Helpline: 0800 58 58 58 (5 PM – Midnight) - Gamekeepers Welfare Trust
Provides mental health support specifically for gamekeepers, stalkers, ghillies and their families, focusing on their unique challenges and needs. The trust offers access to professional counselling and other mental health resources.
Website: gamekeeperswelfaretrust.com
England
- Mental Health Support Teams in Schools
Aimed at children and young people, these teams offer mental health support within schools, especially beneficial for rural areas with limited access to services. - Rural Support Networks
Many counties in England have localised rural support networks providing mental health and well-being services tailored to rural communities. Examples include various community health initiatives.
Scotland
- Change Mental Health (Support in Mind Scotland)
Offers mental health support services for people in rural Scotland. They provide community outreach services, telephone support, and more.
Website: changemh.org - Scotland’s Mental Health Crisis Care
Provides support for individuals in crisis across Scotland, offering emergency mental health support regardless of location.
Wales
- Mind Cymru
The Welsh branch of Mind, which offers support, information, and advocacy for mental health issues, with a focus on addressing the needs of rural communities.
Website: mind.org.uk - Cymorth Cymru
An umbrella organisation for mental health charities in Wales, providing information and support to improve mental health services for all communities.
Website: cymorthcymru.org.uk
Northern Ireland
- Lifeline Northern Ireland
A 24/7 crisis helpline offering support to individuals in Northern Ireland experiencing distress or despair. They provide trained counsellors to help with mental health crises.
Website: lifelinehelpline.info
Helpline: 0808 808 8000 (24/7) - Niamh (Northern Ireland Association for Mental Health)
Provides a range of mental health services across Northern Ireland, including support for individuals in rural areas.
Website: inspirewellbeing.org
passionate about protecting deer
If you are passionate about protecting deer populations and supporting sustainable deer management practices, consider joining the British Deer Society (BDS). Your membership helps fund vital research, educational initiatives, and conservation efforts across the UK.
Alternatively, you can make a donation to help us continue our work.
Together, we can make a difference.