Bullying culture fuels mental illness

Farming is not necessarily an area that many would immediately link to mental illness. But it is a growing problem in the sector. People work for long periods alone, with often only their anxieties to dwell upon. The pressures have grown over recent years, as making a living has become more difficult. Suicides among farmers have been on the increase. A recent BBC Countryfile program for Mental Health Awareness Week highlighted the problem. One cause of stress was the arrival of inspectors at a farm to check different things. The anxiety that can arise in the build up, then the devastating effect if problems are found. It became clear that stress and anxiety could be eased if the inspectors acted in a more helpful, consensual way. Not delivering brutal news in a punitive, condemnatory way. Mental health is an increasing challenge in our world today. Many are still recovering from the ravages of the COVID years, which did terrible damage. The growing isolation for many today helps fuel mental health problems. Indeed, it can be argued there is almost a drive towards isolationism in many of the ways in which society is developing. Returning to the farm inspection example, it does seem that there is an increasingly bullying culture in our society. The role of Ofsted inspectors in schools has been highlighted as another area of bullying. Stress levels and anxiety of staff increase around these regular rituals. There have been suicides linked directly to this process These inspections have value but again they need to be carried out in more sensitive and supportive manner. The bullying culture is often so embedded that those involved in the process don't recognise it. The celebration of the culture is seen amongst political leaders, who constantly talk in macho terms of being strong and tough. The political sphere ofcourse is another area where the bullying culture is rife. On TV, there are programs like the Apprentice, which appears to be a celebration of bullying management styles. Things maybe changing but the bullying culture really does need addressing wherever it is found. There are huge mental health and other problems flowing from this brutal way of operating. Mental health generally needs far more attention and resources directed towards it. The present government seems to have real problems recognising there is such a thing as mental illness, let alone remedying it. The attitude is pile on the pressure till people break- the survival of the fittest. The problems of mental health are huge and growing. There is the challenge of how society deals with those who have mental illness but also the causes of that condition. We need to become a more caring, supportive society, which means changing many of the structures that help cause the triggers for mental illness. A society that cares, rather than walks by on the other side.