If you think you might be experiencing symptoms of depression, talk to someone you trust. You might find that sharing your experience can help you feel better. If you aren’t able to talk to someone close to you, YANA can give you confidential help. Making that first phone call is a major step forward. If you feel you just cannot make that call, ask a friend to do it.

• The best thing is talk to your own doctor – it’s best if a health professional makes the diagnosis of depression. Your symptoms might have another cause.
  • Visit your GP promptly: Like any other illness, depression may become worse if left untreated.
  • Be honest and say exactly how you feel: Whatever you say will be in total confidence – even if you know the doctor socially. Depression is not unusual and your GP can provide support, referral to counselling, psychotherapy or medication.
  • Ensure that you understand your treatment: Take any medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you are unsure or don’t feel that you’re getting better, go back again. Remember that modern day antidepressants are not addictive, although you shouldn’t stop taking them suddenly or without the advice of your doctor.
• Call the confidential YANA Helpline on 0300 323 0400: you might have reasons for not wanting to visit your own doctor, want additional support or just need someone else to talk to: we are here to help.
• YANA is here for anyone who works in agriculture, any related profession/job or rural business. By calling the YANA helpline you can speak to someone who really understands the industry and its problems. YANA provides unique support and advice from counsellors for the broad agricultural community. Anything you discuss is “off the record” and the conversation is completely confidential. Funding for counselling is available to those who live in East Anglia.
• Learn more about stress and depression: More understanding of poor mental health can help you manage better. You might find it helpful to read one of the books listed on our Additional Help page.
• Talk to family, friends or colleagues: Don’t feel embarrassed about admitting that you might be experiencing symptoms of depression. It is far more common than you may think.
• Contact a counsellor: Your doctor will be able to provide details, through the counsellors’ professional organisations list on our Additional Help. Or, if you live in East Anglia, you can call the YANA helpline on 0300 323 0400 to be put in touch with a YANA counsellor. Talking therapies such as cognitive behaviour therapy or psychotherapy can help you to understand why and how you feel as you do. They can help you develop strategies to change how you think about things and are useful when used on their own or in combination with medication.

There are excellent support services available specifically for the agricultural community such as R.A.B.I. (The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution) and The Farming Community Network. Contact details for other helpful information can be found in The National Directory of Farm and Rural Support Groups and more on our Additional Help page.