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