Farming is usually a good way of life, but with increased pressures from finances, regulation, the weather, animal diseases, supermarkets, or possibly family expectations, it is not surprising that many people involved with agriculture will feel isolated and depressed at some time.

Symptoms of depression can be low mood, loss of appetite, disturbed sleep patterns, lack of interest in family and friends, confused thinking, difficulty in making decisions, or a change in personality such as uncharacteristic aggression.

Depression is an illness, not a weakness and it is not something to deal with on your own. It can be caused by a number of different things: an upsetting event, stress, a chemical imbalance, or sometimes a family pre-disposition to depression. Every situation can be helped. You, or someone close to you, just have to make that first phone call.

If you are depressed, you might not be thinking clearly and a simple problem may seem insurmountable - but if you talk to someone, it can help. You might be surprised at how many of your friends in the same industry have felt the same way at some point in their lives.

If someone close to you is showing signs of depression, listen, be supportive, respect their confidence, and encourage them to seek professional help. Offer to go with them if they would find it helpful.

Take advice yourself on how to help. As a partner or friend, you can advise their GP if you are concerned about their health - the GP cannot discuss their patient with you, but your information might be useful.

Just occasionally, someone is so severely depressed that they feel that life is not worth living. If you feel like this, or are concerned about someone, make contact immediately - with the GP, the Samaritans or the Maytree Centre.