MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
What support does Cresco offer for mental health?
For generations, our families, friends and communities have lived with the impact of poor mental health.
Cresco was born from a belief that this has to change.
People have suffered quietly, and carried burdens that we're never meant to be carried alone. We have been taught to bear it and grin when times are tough. To keep going. To put the work first and the needs of others before our own. We have carried the weight of an industry under immense pressure, often depleted and exhausted of hope.
Our worry is that some people may feel so downtrodden that they can no longer see a way forward. We want to be there when times get tough. To listen, to support, to help you find your footing again and reconnect with the person you truly are. Those who work the land have spent generations helping to feed the nation. Yet too rarely has someone stopped to ask:
HOW ARE YOU DOING, REALLY?
We hope to ensure that farmers and those within our rural communities feel seen, heard and valued.
The Reality of Rural Mental Health
Depression
36%
Of farming people surveyed were identified as probably or possibly depressed.
Anxiety
47%
Of respondents experienced some form of anxiety, including 12% moderate and 6% severe.
Women's Health
58%
Of women in agriculture experienced anxiety, while 43% were possibly depressed.
Suicides
47
Registered in England and Wales among people working in farming in 2024.
We want to provide a service for you,
in our wellies, speaking to you on your terms
about the things that matter to you.
No matter who you are.
No matter what you are facing.
No matter how difficult things may feel.
Better mental health starts with all of us. We may not be able to change everything overnight. But by starting conversations, breaking down stigma and standing alongside one another, we believe we can begin to change lives.
Whether you're in your tractor cab, leaning over a gate, or working your way up and down the milking parlour, we want to meet you where you are.
What We Can Support You With
Mental health can look different for everyone. You may have a diagnosed mental health condition, be experiencing symptoms that you don't fully understand, or simply feel that things aren't quite right.
Our support is person-centred and non-judgemental. You don't need to have a diagnosis to talk to us.
Mental Health & Emotional Wellbeing
Anxiety & Anxiety Disorders
Persistent worry, fear, panic, physical symptoms of anxiety or feeling constantly on edge. This may include generalised anxiety, panic attacks and other anxiety-related difficulties.
Depression & Low Mood
Persistent low mood, loss of interest or enjoyment, hopelessness, low motivation, changes in sleep or appetite, and difficulties managing day-to-day life.
Stress, Burnout & Emotional Exhaustion
The physical and psychological impact of prolonged pressure, demanding circumstances, work-related stress or feeling unable to switch off.
Trauma & Post-Traumatic Stress
Difficulties following traumatic, frightening or distressing experiences, including intrusive memories, avoidance, hypervigilance, emotional numbness and other trauma-related symptoms.
Grief & Loss
Support following bereavement, loss, relationship breakdown, changes in circumstances or other significant life events.
Loneliness, Isolation & Social Disconnection
Feeling alone, disconnected from others, unsupported or unable to talk about what you're experiencing.
Low Self-Esteem & Self-Worth
Persistent self-criticism, feelings of inadequacy, shame, guilt or struggling to recognise your own value.
Anger & Emotional Regulation
Difficulties managing anger, frustration or intense emotions, including situations where emotions feel overwhelming or difficult to control.
Other Mental Health Difficulties
Obsessive-Compulsive Difficulties (OCD)
Unwanted or intrusive thoughts, images or urges, alongside repetitive behaviours or mental rituals carried out to reduce distress.
Phobias & Avoidance
Intense fears or anxiety relating to particular situations, objects, environments or activities that begin to affect everyday life.
Panic & Panic Attacks
Sudden episodes of intense fear or physical distress, sometimes occurring unexpectedly or leading to fear of having another attack.
Sleep Difficulties
Problems with falling asleep, staying asleep, waking early or experiencing poor-quality sleep, particularly where these difficulties are affecting mental wellbeing.
Substance & Alcohol Misuse
Using alcohol or drugs to cope with stress, difficult emotions, trauma or other challenges, including concerns about dependence or patterns of use that are becoming difficult to control.
Suicidal Thoughts & Thoughts of Self-Harm
Experiencing thoughts of suicide, self-harm, hopelessness or feeling unable to see a way forward. You do not need to be at immediate risk to talk to us about these thoughts.
Undiagnosed Mental Health Difficulties
You may be experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition without having received a formal diagnosis. We can help you explore what you are experiencing and identify appropriate support.
Life Circumstances That Can Affect Mental Health
Mental health difficulties don't always fit neatly into a diagnosis. We can also support people experiencing challenges such as:
- Work-related pressure and occupational stress
- Financial pressures and uncertainty
- Relationship and family difficulties
- Bereavement and significant life changes
- Isolation within rural or agricultural communities
- Difficulties associated with farming, land, livestock or business pressures
- Caring responsibilities
- Major changes in employment or circumstances
- Difficulties adjusting to change
- Feeling overwhelmed, stuck or unable to cope
You Don't Need a Diagnosis to Ask for Support
You don't have to know what's wrong before reaching out.
If you are struggling with your mental health, experiencing symptoms that concern you, or simply feel that you aren't yourself, you can talk to us.
Our role is to listen, understand what you're experiencing and provide appropriate support. Where a specialist assessment, diagnosis or level of clinical intervention is required, we can help you understand what support may be appropriate and signpost or refer you to the relevant service.
How Can We Help?
Everyone’s circumstances are different. Whether you need someone to talk to, practical support, or simply a safe space to work through what’s going on, Cresco is here to help.
Wellies on the Ground
Practical, person-centred support where you are.
Wellies on the Ground provides free mental health and wellbeing support to people within agriculture and rural communities. Our team can meet you where you are, whether that’s on the farm, at home, or another location where you feel comfortable. Support is tailored around you, your circumstances and what you need.
Field Line
Free, confidential text support when you need someone to talk to.
Field Line is Cresco’s text support service, giving you a simple way to reach out and talk to someone about whatever is going on. Whether you’re struggling with your mental health, feeling overwhelmed, experiencing thoughts of suicide, or concerned about substance or alcohol use, you don’t have to deal with it alone.