If you work as a counsellor, it can be helpful to understandyour client’s occupation. Some industries create unique challenges, so having insight into these can be extremely valuable when supporting their mental health. One example is agriculture, which involves a very different work routine compared to many other trades.
If you’re supporting a client who works in this industry, it helps to understand what’s expected during their daily routine.This way, you will be better equipped when providing helpful suggestions.
Here are some of the issues typically faced by farmers and agricultural workers.
Environmental issues
Farmers face various environmental pain points in their day-to-day, such as unpredictable weather and pests. Counsellors can help farmers develop resilience and coping strategies to deal with these uncontrollable factors like these.
Beyond this, health and safety need to be taken seriously in agriculture, as workers can be exposed to severe risksinvolving machinery, chemicals and even diseases. If workers don’t feel safe in their workplace, or feel that their employers are acting negligently, this can be stressful. Where possible, help your client identify whether there is a solution to these worries and prompt them to raise discussions with their employer.
Financial worries
External factors, particularly economic ones, can cause the agricultural industry to feel unstable at times. Farmers are directly impacted by fluctuating market prices and adverseweather, which can compromise crop production. Workers may also face high operating costs that can impact cash flow, which can lead to chronic stress and anxiety in serious cases.
To help with this, counsellors can help farmers manage financial stress with specialist financial counselling. This covers the development of budgeting and planning skills to reduce financial anxiety going forward. Offering financial advice can be risky, however; it may be worthwhile to review your counsellor’s insurance should you find yourself considering giving such advice.
Combatting isolation
Farming can be lonely work. Often, workers will spend entire days with little contact from their colleagues. Solitary working can leave you feeling isolated over time, so it’s important to check in on clients and offer help in this area if it’s getting them down. Often, if someone is feeling lonely, they’ll be less likely to open up and seek help.
As their counsellor, it may be beneficial to suggest support groups and encourage further social interaction whether in the local community or through other activities outside work.
Mental and physical rest
Agricultural work is physically demanding, which can also take its toll on a person’s mental health. Feeling exhausted can disrupt quality of life outside of work and make workers feel unmotivated and unfulfilled. The combination of physical and mental exhaustion can lead to burnout, which can create more substantial issues in the long term.
Counsellors can help by offering tips for managing stress andliving more mindfully. Highlighting the importance of self-care can also help farmers adopt routines that include plenty of rest.
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