Countryfile viewers have praised Nigel Owens after he opened up about trying to take his own life. The former rugby referee turned farmer appeared on the show, which came from Ystragynlais on Sunday, May 22, as part of a segment about poor mental health in the farming community.
It is thought that around 92% of farmers under the age of 40 suffer from poor mental health. Just as shockingly, the suicide rate amongst agricultural workers is three times higher than the national average.
The BBC show visited Nigel at his farm in Mynydd Cerrig near Tumble, where he recalled the night that he says he will regret for the rest of his life, in the hope of encouraging others to seek help with their mental health. The legendary referee had previously opened up about his struggles in a 2019 interview which left millions of viewers from around the world in awe. You can read more about that here.
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Speaking to Countryfile presenter Adam Henson, Nigel said: "I was from an agricultural community background, living in rural West Wales. I experienced mental health issues when I was younger. I got to a really, really bad place and I did something one evening that I will regret for the rest of my life when I left a note for my mum and dad and told them I couldn't carry on living my life any more, that I was going to end it.
"I'll never forgive myself for what I put my mum and dad through, when they got up the morning and read the note and thought they were never going to see their only child ever again. Luckily enough I had a second chance."
Nigel, who was just 26 at the time, was airlifted to West Wales General Hospital in Carmarthen where he spent three days in intensive care. After he came out of intensive care, the doctor told him that he was "a very lucky young man" and if another 20 minutes had passed, it would have been too late to save him.
The Welsh rugby legend, who went on to referee 100 test rugby matches and win 2015 World Rugby Referee of the Year, said that the reason for his mental health issues was struggling to deal with his sexuality growing up. He came out as gay in 2007, having struggled to accept who he really was for years.
"There are many, many things in life we choose but our sexualities is not one of them, and that was the core reason for my mental health issue was struggling with my sexuality or who I truly was. That was a turning point in my life."
Nigel has recently been re-elected as the president of the National Federation of Young Farmers' Club, having benefitted from them greatly growing up. He said he now wants to help the next generation at a time when mental health in the farming community is such a large concern.
"I owe a lot to the movement really, for the opportunity it has given me and it's just nice to put a little bit of something back," he said. "I'm sharing my own story and my own experience and hoping that it will help people.
"We know that mental health is a huge issue within the farming community, particularly for men, because they seem to have that macho image that you can't open up about things because they think it's a weakness . But to actually open up and ask for help or to talk about the struggle is actually a sign of strength."
Viewers were moved by the former ref's appearance on the show and took to Twitter to praise him for opening up about his mental health struggles. "Great to hear Nigel Owens talking about mental health on Countryfile," said one. "It's important to talk. Like him I regret trying to take my life in my twenties. We must forgive ourselves though."
Another added: "Love Nigel Owens, he speaks out on important issues. Excellent ambassador for mental health," while a third wrote: "Great to have ref Nigel on Countryfile. Good focus tonight on mental health."
Others praised the show for shining a light on the issue of mental health in farming. "Great piece on mental health for farmers," said one, while another wrote: "It's not the first time Countryfile has addressed farmers and mental health. It's still such a shame they're still struggling so much." Another added: "Young Farmers Clubs are great for countryside socialising, learning new skills, knowledge, confidence and character building. Certainly was when I was a member in Wales in 1980s."
Earlier in the show, another Welsh rugby legend made an appearance as Anita Rani visited Cwm Farm Charcuterie in Ystradgynlais. The farm's owner Ruth Davies produces The Sheriff’s Biltong, which she sells at Scarlets rugby games, in conjunction with Wales hooker Ken Owens.
The front row helped keep the business going during lockdown after being wowed by Ruth's local produce. He said: "In West Wales we pride ourselves on helping each other out. All the produce we use is locally sourced. What first attracted me was Ruth's philosophy of using everything local, everything healthy, it's fresh and there's nothing in it that's going to cause harm."
