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Managing Stress

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A family wals away from the camera through tall yellow grass toward an old barn with no paint on it. Two of the children can be seen in the distance, closer to the barn, the two parents and another child are closer to the camera.
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Farming and ranching are stressful - adverse weather, disease, regulations, volatile commodity prices, family dynamics, and financial worries are constant. These resources can help you manage that stress.

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Constant stress can build and eventually take a heavy toll on your outlook.

Farmers and ranchers are unique business owners. Not only are they self-employed, there is often no separation between home and work. Failure affects not only your business but your whole lifestyle.

If you find yourself or someone you know beginning to exhibit unusual behavior such as lack of focus/motivation, uncharacteristic anger, or alcohol abuse, it may be time to evaluate stress levels and the overall farm/ranch situation. If you feel or see a problem please do not ignore it. NDSU Extension has resources that address the many areas of stress.

People often don’t get the help they need simply because they don’t know where to begin. If you are dealing with thoughts of depression or anxiety talk to your primary care physician and ask about available mental health services. If you don’t have a doctor, here are some resources you can use and services you can reach out to.

If the situation is potentially life-threatening, get immediate emergency assistance by dialing 9-1-1.

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Publications
All of us cope with the stresses and challenges of life daily. When it comes to farm/ranch stress finding tools that will help us manage stress is needed to help make decisions. This publication is part of a series called Managing Stress…
Creating a coping toolbox and planning steps to a more sustainable lifestyle can help you manage farm and ranching, family or individual stresses in a healthy way. This publication is part of a series called Managing Stress and Pursuing…
Building a strong support and resource system for you and your family will come in handy during a time of need or concern. Make a list of the family, friends, neighbors, agencies and organizations that can help you and give you advice.…
People have different definitions of stress. Probably the most common definition is “physical, mental or emotion strain or tension.” Stress is different for all of us. People will perceive the same stressor in a number of ways and,…
Sometimes you need help. Sometimes you are help. This flow chart outlines the process of responding to distressed people.
Working together under pressure, shifting roles, and holding down more than one job add up to one thing – high stress levels for farm or ranch couples. However, by being thoughtful, communicating clearly and relaxing together, a husband…
Working in agriculture is accompanied by managing a variety of stresses on a regular basis. Learning to control events, attitudes and responses day-in and day-out will help you manage those hectic, stressful times. This fact sheet outlines…
Farm or ranch stresses can overwhelm us. Help is available and your health is important. Learn about depression and its signs, tools for helping with depression and resources for yourself or others in North Dakota.
Each person is affected differently by stress, and becoming familiar with common ways in which stress affects a person is helpful. This publication is part of a series called Managing Stress and Pursuing Wellness in Times of Tight Margins.
We all experience stress in our lives, whether in farming or business or personal relationships. Such stresses can lead to health problems, depression or other concerns. This publication helps to increase understanding of stress signals…
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CONTACT US

Sean Brotherson, Professor/Family Science Specialist

Adriana Drusini, Extension Program Coordinator – Farm and Ranch Stress