Are You Stressed?
Are you stressed?
A study by the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association found that two thirds of farmers admit to feeling stressed and one in five said they are very stressed. Stress is the result of any emotional, physical, social, economic, or other factors that require a response or change. The three leading causes of agriculture related stress are: production related issues, government policy and the farm’s financial status. Stress on the farm can have many origins or come from one single event. It can impact on owners, farm families, and employees alike.
Absenteeism, illness, alcoholism, petty internal politics, bad or snap decisions, indifference and apathy, lack of motivation or creativity are all by-products of an over stressed workplace. Some stress is normal; too much stress can have negative impacts. When the feeling of satisfaction turns into exhaustion, frustration or dissatisfaction, or when the challenges at work become too demanding, we begin to see negative signs of stress
Can stress really cause health effects?
Yes, stress can have an impact on your overall health. The body’s response to stress has been called the "Generalized Stress Response" and includes:
· increased blood pressure
· increased metabolism (e.g., faster heartbeat, faster respiration)
· decrease in protein synthesis, intestinal movement (digestion), immune and allergic response systems
· increased cholesterol and fatty acids in blood for energy production systems
· localized inflammation (redness, swelling, heat and pain)
· faster blood clotting
· increased production of blood sugar for energy
· increased stomach acids
Luckily, there are usually a number of warning signs that help indicate when you are having trouble coping with stress before any severe signs become apparent.
How do I know if someone is (or if I am) having trouble coping with stress?
There are many different signs and symptoms that can indicate when someone is having difficulty coping with the amount of stress they are experiencing:
· Physical: headaches, grinding teeth, clenched jaws, chest pain, shortness of breath, pounding heart, high blood pressure, muscle aches, indigestion, constipation or diarrhea, increased perspiration, fatigue, insomnia, frequent illness.
· Psychosocial: anxiety, irritability, sadness, defensiveness, anger, mood swings, hypersensitivity, apathy, depression, slowed thinking or racing thoughts; feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, or of being trapped.
· Behavioural: overeating or loss of appetite, impatience, quickness to argue, procrastination, increased use of alcohol or drugs, increased smoking, withdrawal or isolation from others, neglect of responsibility, poor job performance, poor personal hygiene, change in religious practices, change in close family relationships.
The Farm Family Support Center offers a free, confidential, consultation and referral service for Nova Scotian farm families seeking assistance in financial counseling, legal services, goal setting, interpersonal relationships, anger and stress management, psychological counseling, non-family dispute, resolutions, marriage counseling and children/teen conflicts. The Farm Family Support Center can be the key to getting through stressful situations. The ultimate goal of the Farm Family Support Center is to improve the quality of life for the Nova Scotian farm family. Stressful times can put a strain on the relationships in the farm family but the Center has the resources to help. The Center offers guidance and support designed to help the individual family resolve issues. The Farm Family Support Center can be reached toll free at 1-877-418-7555 for a free consultation.