New Publication on Managing Stress for People Working in Agriculture

Jan 10, 2022

By Tawnie Larson and Daniel Flippo et.al

As a Kansan working in agriculture, you may experience elevated stress as you work hard to produce quality products, sustain your operation, and support your family. A new publication, MF3568 - “Managing Stress: Tips and Resources”, is available online at bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF3568.pdf and hard copies can be purchased through the KSRE Bookstore.

Agriculture workers, employees, and the family often work day and night and cannot always avoid stressful and overwhelming situations, especially during a pandemic, drought, low market prices, and other situations that are out of their control. Resources provided here can assist you or someone you know that needs assistance in managing and overcoming stress. Caring for your own health and wellness in your high-stress profession is often overlooked but is just as critical as caring for your operation.


Identifying Signs of Stress

Physical

Emotional

Behavioral

Cognitive

Self-Worth

Headaches

Sadness/Depression

Irritability

Memory Loss

Feels Like a Failure

Ulcers

Bitterness

Passive-Aggressive Behavior

Lack of  Concentration

Can’t Do Anything Right

Problems Sleeping

Anger

Anger

Difficulty with Simple Decisions

Not Being Able to Fix Things

Frequent Illness

Anxiety

Increased Alcohol Use

 

 

Exhaustion

Loss of Spirit

Taking Drugs

 

 

 

Loss of Sense of Humor

Isolation

 

 

 

 

Violence

 

 

How to Manage Your Stress

  • Take deep breaths
  • Meditate or sit quietly
  • Connect with people in your social network
  • Talk to yourself in a positive manner
  • Exercise, eat good foods, get quality sleep
  • Speak with a mental health professional

Reference: Colorado State University, “Managing Stress During Tough Times,” R.J. Fetsch


Wellbeing and Mental Health Resources

Financial Services and Onsite Assistance

Veteran Support

Videos

The Kansas AgrAbility Project’s primary purpose is to directly assist Kansas farmers/ranchers, their employees, and family members who have become injured, have a health condition, or a disability to remain actively engaged in production agriculture for as long as they choose. The Kansas AgrAbility Project is a partnership between Kansas State University, Southeast Kansas Independent Living, and Assistive Technology for Kansans.

Source : ksu.edu
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