AgricultureNewsProvincial

Confidential Farm Stress Line Available 24/7

Our agriculture sector is being hugely impacted this year. If you or someone you know needs extra support in dealing with these stressful times, the Farm Stress Line is available. It is a confidential service, with no call display, available 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week, toll-free at 1-800-667-4442.

Calls are answered by Mobile Crisis Services Regina, a non-profit, community-based agency.

The Farm Stress Line can help by:

  • Clarifying the problem or concern and work with you toward a solution;
  • Connecting you with the appropriate organization, professional or program that best suits your needs; and/or
  • Listening and supporting in a safe, neutral and non-judgmental environment.

Stress on the farm

Rural families deserve credit for working hard to meet the challenges that are often beyond their control such as weather, pests, disease, high-input costs, volatile markets and low financial returns at the farm gate. Many Saskatchewan farm families have off-farm income, which, in turn, may result in additional pressure which can lead to fatigue and burnout.

Farmers and ranchers who endure high levels of stress may find that it has negatively affected their health and has reduced their quality of life. High stress can compromise personal safety and affect family relationships.

Some symptoms of stress can include:

Stomach distress
Unexplained headaches
Back pain/and or generalized aches and pains
Muscle tension
Chest Pain
Chronic fatigue
Insomnia or disrupted sleep
Change in appetite
Irritability or anger out of proportion to the situation
Forgetfulness
Trouble making decisions
Inability to relax and/or concentrate
Relationship problems, hard on self, family or others
Depression/withdrawal
Over reliance on over-the-counter medication
Substance abuse
Thoughts of and/or attempts at suicide
It’s important to have a medical check-up and talk to your doctor if you are experiencing some of these symptoms

Managing Stress

There are ways of dealing with stress and we can learn to recognize and manage it. Some positives steps to take:

Exercise
Eat a balanced diet
Take time for yourself
Avoid alcohol and drugs
Don’t isolate yourself
Separate those things you can control from those that are beyond your control
Deal with problems – avoidance only complicates them
Focus on solutions rather than dwelling on the negatives
Base decisions on accurate information
Set priorities and proceed step-by-step. Don’t try and solve everything at once
Talk to others – Often by talking to a trusted person, you can gain a perspective that may lead to practical solutions. You may come up with alternatives that you have not considered.

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