Wellbeing in the countryside: what the numbers say about rural mental health

National data highlights the wellbeing gaps, access challenges and occupational risks that continue to affect rural communities across the UK
Written by Samantha Horton and Antonia Barraclough. First published on 11 Feb 2026, and most recently revised on 12 Feb 2026.
Flock of sheep on a farm

This article contains references to suicide. Support resources are provided at the end.

Mental health is a growing concern across the UK, and evidence shows rural communities face distinct pressures. Although countryside living is often associated with fresh air and a healthier lifestyle, agricultural and rural work can be demanding, isolating and unpredictable. Research increasingly highlights the unique vulnerabilities affecting rural mental health.

What do the figures say?

The Statistical Digest of Rural England (September 2025) reports that while rural populations experience longer life expectancy and strong wellbeing indicators, they also face higher suicide rates in occupations such as agriculture and veterinary work. This is a clear indicator that no matter the protective environment, serious mental health risks can remain.

The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee’s 2023 report adds that many rural residents struggle to access mental health services due to limited local provision, long travel distances and ongoing stigma. Agricultural workers remain disproportionately affected by financial strain, isolation and volatile working conditions.

National data reinforces this picture. The Big Mental Health Report 2025 shows that one in five adults in England (20.2%) lives with a common mental health condition – issues that can be intensified in rural areas where support is harder to reach. Meanwhile, the 2025 UK Wellbeing Report highlights widening wellbeing inequalities, with some rural districts thriving and others falling behind.

Overall, as the majority of countryside residents will attest to, rural Britain benefits from strong community ties and healthy environments. However, gaps in services and persistent occupational pressures offer ongoing challenges. Improving timely access to support, providing targeted interventions and continuing to tackle stigma remain essential to supporting mental health across the countryside.

Mind Your Head week

This week, the Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies) has launched its ninth annual Mind Your Head campaign (9–13 February 2026), which the CLA fully supports. The week raises awareness of mental health in farming and challenges persistent stigma.

To commemorate the occasion, in the video below, CLA President Gavin Lane shares his thoughts on what rural communities can do to help lighten the load.

Support and resources: