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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
Individuals in farming can experience stress from multiple sources. Stresses can be managed as individuals use practical wellness strategies to reduce stress and improve wellness.
Working in agriculture brings its own set of unique experiences and stresses. The Managing Rural Stress Model allows you to use a reflective approach and explore multiple steps in dealing with stress concerns. This publication is part of a…
One of the most important aspects of managing life as a family caregiver is accessing useful resources that can provide needed knowledge and skills. The list of helpful resources below provides information about educational materials and…
Family caregiving is an activity that occurs across many different settings. Individuals in need of care at particular times may include adult children with special needs, aging parents, a sick family member or a friend. People may need…
Caregiving provided to aging family members or others in need often is associated with stress and burnout. Although providing direct care to a family member or someone else can result in significant stress, remember that this experience…
When experiencing farm or ranch stress, recognizing the early symptoms of stress is helpful. Such symptoms act as warning signals and include increased heart rate, aching neck and shoulders, churning stomach or excessive fatigue. Stress…
Families in farming or ranching can minimize stress if they plan ahead. Creating a stress management plan is a useful step in that process. Using the nine steps outlined in this fact sheet, family members can tailor a plan to fit their…
Farmers and ranchers experience pressures from many directions. Stresses can pile up and result physical or mental health concerns. Individuals can take steps to reduce stress and improve health by noting and managing stress symptoms. Also…
Folks working in farming and ranching experience pressure from all directions. While all of us must deal with economic ups and downs or family challenges, individuals in agriculture face added uncertainties like weather concerns, commodity…
Children have limited experiences with natural disasters, so it is normal for them to be afraid. It is important that children are met with kindness and understanding from parents and other adults to help cope with these feelings. Children…
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CONTACT US

Sean Brotherson, Professor/Family Science Specialist

Adriana Drusini, Extension Program Coordinator – Farm and Ranch Stress