Everyone experiences stress, but for farmers and ranchers, stress has become a fact of life. Several forces are fueling it, including high supply costs, farm debt, changes in international trade policy, and weather-related damage from drought, severe storms with strong winds and hail, and wildfires.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, stress is your body’s physical and emotional response to new or challenging situations. Often, feelings of stress are a common coping response and can give one the ability to solve problems in a healthy way. When stress is long term, it becomes chronic, which can lead to worsening health problems such as disrupted sleep, headaches, stomachaches, trouble concentrating, difficulty making decisions, or increased use of alcohol or drugs.
Farming and ranching occupations are among the most stressful jobs in America, according to John Shutske, University of Wisconsin–Madison professor and extension specialist with over 30 years of experience working with the agricultural community. Shutske said stress is a double-edged sword — a little stress can serve as a constructive motivator, pushing us to action; however, too much stress can damage our health, compromise safety, and damage personal relationships. It reduces our capacity to consider and evaluate solutions to complex problems and can limit our power to make sound decisions.
Stress can also manifest itself as a vicious cycle with escalating consequences that can paralyze farmers, ranchers and their families.
Reducing Stress
Finding a sense of community and reaching out for support (Henning-Smith et al., 2022) can be helpful in managing stress. Being part of a community provides a sense of belonging, feelings of support during difficult times, and can offer a sense of purpose. Most importantly, find people to connect with and share your thoughts, feelings and situations. Talking with someone can be very helpful for dealing with stress.
Supporting Friends, Family and Neighbors Experiencing Chronic Stress
When somebody you care for exhibits behaviors of long-term stress, such as moodiness, anger, irritability, loneliness, anxiety, lack of energy, low self-esteem, constant worrying, forgetfulness, overeating, or increased use of alcohol or drugs, don’t be afraid to talk with them about it. Simply listen to them. Engage in listening that doesn’t pass judgment on what is being shared. Instead, offer hope and support and let them know you care.
If you or someone you know needs help with stress management or would like to talk to someone confidentially, resources are available:
- The Rural Response Hotline’s website gives information on programs regarding financial and legal issues, disaster relief, and mental health concerns. Specifically, the agency offers free vouchers for confidential mental health services for individuals and families. Call 800-464-0258 or visit the Rural Response Hotline website to learn more.
- The Nebraska Resource and Referral System (NRRS) lists toll-free numbers, websites and email contacts to help you connect faster to the services you are seeking.
- Call or text 9-8-8 to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
The following resources were created collaboratively by Nebraska Extension and University of Wyoming Extension:
- Rural Family Stress and Wellness (Nebraska Extension)
- Nebraska Community Action Agencies
- Nebraska Extension Disaster Education
- Nebraska Family Help Line: 888-866-8660 (Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services)
- CDC Disaster
- The Wyoming Behavioral Institute: 24-hour hotline 1-800-457-9321
References
- Carrie Henning-Smith, Andrew Alberth, Andrea Bjornestad, Florence Becot and Shoshanah Inwood (2022) Farmer Mental Health in the U.S. Midwest: Key Informant Perspectives, Journal of Agromedicine, 27:1, 15-24, DOI: 10.1080/1059924X.2021.1893881
