What are some more signs or symptoms of stress?
- Change in routines. A person or family stops attending church, drops out of 4-H or
other groups, or no longer stops in at the local coffee shop or gathering place.
- Increase in illness. Farmers or farm family members may experience more colds or routine
illnesses or have other chronic conditions such as aches, pains or a persistent cough.
- Appearance of farmstead declines. The family no longer takes pride in the way farm
buildings and farmstead look or keeps up with maintenance work.
- Care of livestock declines. Animals may not be cared for in the usual way; they may
lose condition, appear gaunt or show signs of neglect.
- Increase in farm injuries. The risk of injury can increase due to fatigue or loss
of ability to concentrate. Children may be at risk if there isn’t adequate childcare
as a result of finances or other conditions.
- Children show signs of stress. Farm children may act out, decline in academic performance
or be increasingly absent from school. They may also show signs of physical or verbal
abuse or neglect.
What can I do for myself?
If you notice that you are stressed, employ coping methods like
- Cognitive-behavioral restructuring. Alter thoughts to something more realistic, such as keeping things in perspective,
letting go of blame and guilt, and keeping a positive attitude.
- Physical activity. Those who exercise often are less likely to experience stress and depression.
- Relaxation. Take small breaks out of your day to collect yourself and recharge.
- Get good quality sleep.
- Social support. Social support is connected with reduction of stress, decreased risk of depression,
better health, and faster recovery from illness.
- Enhance money and time management skills.
- Strengthen spiritual resources.
- Strengthen personal and family relationships. Social support is connected with reduction of stress, decreased risk of depression,
better health, and faster recovery from illness.
- Increase the time spent with supportive family and friends, who are important buffers
in times of stress.
- Practice positive communication with loved ones by listening and expressing appreciation.
- Be mindful of what is most important to oneself and one’s family.
- Remain aware of ongoing changes that contribute to stress, and postponing new commitments
if they will add stress.
- Reach out to people in the community (being there for others strengthens one’s own
circle of support).
What can I do for others?
Friends, neighbors, and business associates can help other copes more effectively.
Here are nine points to assist in relating to those experiencing stress.
- Take time to listen. Stressed individuals should not be rushed. By taking the time to listen, you are
showing that you care. Ask questions so you clearly understand the problem. By asking
questions, the individual must respond to you in a manner that helps them frame and
understand their own problem.
- Be non-critical and non-judgmental as the individual shares his/her troubles. While their problem may not seem huge to you, it is to them.
- Counsel on a one-on-one basis. Be a good listener - don’t interrupt. Try to draw them out. Get them to talk. This
can be a tremendous pressure reliever.
- Be empathetic. We cannot know how the individual feels unless we have been there. Avoid one-upmanship.
- Try to separate the problem’s causes from the symptoms. Assist the individual in recognizing the difference. As the saying goes, “sometimes
it’s hard to see the forest for the trees”, especially when we’re in the middle of
the forest.
- Try to help the individual think logically and rationally. Jotting things down on a yellow note pad and prioritizing them can do wonders. Keep
it simple.
- Encourage the individual to get back into a routine of doing things. Stress often brings on apathy and a loss of interest in things formerly enjoyed.
- Learn to recognize the signs of stress. There are many excellent publications available.
- Above all, make sure the individual retains ownership of his/her problems. If you pick up the other person’s problem, you both have a problem and you lose your
objectivity.
Dealing with stress often calls for professional help that may be beyond your capacity,
regardless of how sincere you may be. When this happens, suggest that the individual
seek professional help. People who are concerned about a stressed family can put the
stressed person/family in touch with professionals who are trained to provide assistance.
You can:
- Listen for signs and symptoms that the person or family needs help—financial, legal
or personal counseling.
- Be aware of the agencies and resources available in the community.
- Find out what services they offer and what their limitations are.
- Determine which resource would be most appropriate to address the person’s or family’s
problem.
Discuss the referral with the person or family (“It looks like you are feeling frustrated
with your financial problems. I think this person or agency could help you deal with
your situation.”) Explore the individual’s or family’s willingness to initiate contact
with the community resource. Ask: “How do you feel about seeking help from this person
or agency?”
If the person or family is unwilling to take the initiative or if there is some danger
if action is not taken, you may have to take the initiative. Ask for permission to
contact the agency; then call that agency, share your concern and discuss how the
agency will respond to this referral.
In lessor situations, just being a caring, empathetic, supportive, and unhurried listener
can go a long way in helping an individual through a difficult situation.
Resources Available
Marketing Tools Available
- Signs and Symptoms of Stress - a flier developed to help readers recognize stress in themselves and others (either
physical or behavioral signs) and provides tips on how to respond. Originally developed
by the Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center (UMASH) for use in Wyoming.
