April 23, 2024

Stress affects body, mind, daily activities

By Erica Quinlan

Weather is one of the many variables that farmers can’t control in their line of work. It’s important to manage stress and reach out for help if you’re struggling emotionally or physically. (AgriNews photo)

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Even during good times, farming can be hard on one’s body — mentally and physically.

The stress of farming is amplified during hard times.

“Many farms are in financial distress, putting farm families under prolonged stress,” said Richard Beckort, agriculture and natural resources educator in Jackson County, during a webinar hosted by Purdue Extension.

This stress can lead to physical and mental health challenges.

Stress can manifest itself in a variety of ways, and can impact your mind, body and daily activities.

How stress affects your body: Symptoms may include racing heart, shortness of breath, increased appetite, high blood pressure, dizziness, tapping fingers, sweaty palms, sore neck, muscle cramps, backache, tightness of chest, upset stomach, fatigue, headache, nausea and more.

How stress affects your thoughts or feelings: Symptoms may include irritability, nervous crying, feeling depressed, trouble making decisions, restlessness, feeling bored, exhaustion, feeling cynical and more.

How stress affects what you do: Symptoms may include undereating, increased smoking, sleeping to escape, overeating, taking drugs, withdrawing from people, arguing, drinking, breaking things or not doing the things you love.

“We all have bad days,” said Marcia Parcell, Purdue Extension health and human sciences educator in Dearborn County. “We have to worry when these signs are exhibited more than not, when these signs are being exhibited day after day, or weeks at a time.

“These symptoms can lead to chronic illnesses such as high blood pressure, heart disease, hypertension and diabetes.”

There are several signs signaling when a farm family may be in need of help. These may include neglected farmsteads or an increase in farm-related accidents.

These signs can be observed by friends, extended family or neighbors, Parcell said.

“We might notice a change in the family’s routine. Maybe they no longer are coming to church,” she said. “Maybe the kids were involved in 4-H and they no longer are.

“You want to reach out and be checking.”

Everyone handles stress differently. Some ways to cope with stress include deep breathing, self-talk, meditating, exercise, connecting with friends or speaking with a mental health professional.

If you or a loved one are in crisis or are experiencing an emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

Follow www.facebook.com/PurdueFarmStressTeam for resources.