A new study has found that farmers rarely discuss personal problems.

The research by the Irish Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP) shows that 25% of farmers would have difficulty talking about stress or depression, compared with 14% of people living in urban areas.

The research also found that the farming community was the group least likely to talk to a friend about stress or depression, with just 31% saying that they had ever done so.

By contrast, the national average was 49%.

While 7% of farmers said that they would speak to a doctor, and just 5% said they would speak to a counsellor or psychotherapist about their personal problems.

This compared to the national average of 21% and 13% respectively.

IACP spokesman, Shane Kelly, said: "We are particularly concerned about these results because they come at a time when more and more adults are experiencing stress in Ireland".

Some 58% of respondents said that they are under stress now compared to 47% back in 2013.

Mr Kelly also expressed concern that farmers belonged to the 7% of those who said that they had no one to discuss their problems with.

To overcome this problem, Mr Kelly said that family and friends in the farming community needed to look out for one another.

"The study clearly shows that there is a greater need in the farming community for friends, relatives and neighbours to talk to each other," he added.

Anyone affected by issues raised in this article can call The Samaritans on 116 123, or e-mail jo@samaritans.org