Maria Pippidis, Extension Educator; pippidis@udel.edu
Our Farm Management Educator, Nate Bruce, reached out to share that many farmers are facing tough situations given the weather and crop production issues. Managing your stress and feelings during these times can be hard to prioritize but is really THE most important step for taking care of your most important asset – YOU. Here are a few techniques that can help you stay mentally well.
- Think about what makes you most happy, joy-filled or content. Identify three words you can use to connect your body, mind and heart to these images or events. Balance your stressors with positive emotions that create gratitude, joy, interest, and inspiration. Your three words could be something like grandchildren, connectedness and nature. You choose what helps to balance your thoughts and brings on a smile. When you are feeling stressed, repeat these three words until you are feeling more centered.
- Strengths – we all have them. Think about a time when you were at your best. What words would you say describe your attributes of strengths? Brave? Loving? Hopeful? Perceptive? Remind yourself of the positive aspects of who you are.
- Connect with nature. Nature is calming and many farmers love the land and all its wonders. Take some time to be in nature in a way that is calming for you.
- Relax – What is it that helps you relax? – Taking a walk? Reading a book? Visiting with friends? Schedule time to change your mindset, breathe more freely and relax your body and mind. Schedule time to do this – once per day or once a week. Put this on your to-do list for your own sake and that of your farm and family.
- Talk to someone who understands you. This could be a spouse, colleague, friend, pastor or counselor. It’s important to share your thoughts and feelings to release them AND seek assistance when life is too overwhelming. Putting stressors and frustrations into words can help relieve the build up in your mind and body.
Seek professional help if need be. Here are some resources that can be helpful:
UD Ag- Got Your Back Website – has lots of resources to address all different types of stressors. The URL is: https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/canr/cooperative-extension/nutrition-wellness/mental-wellbeing/got-your-back/
Positive Psychology – 10 Techniques to Manage Stress & 13 Quick Tips. This website offers many ideas and resources to help us manage stressors in our lives. https://positivepsychology.com/stress-management-techniques-tips-burn-out/
Michigan State University Extension Managing Farm Stress – URL: https://www.canr.msu.edu/managing_farm_stress/index
AgriStress HelplineSM – Call or text 833-897-2474 this free and confidential crisis and support line 24/7. Interpretation services are provided in 160 languages and staffed by trained professionals who understand issues related to agriculture and provide support and/or will help you find mental health resources in your area.
1-800-950-NAMI (6264) The NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Health) HelpLine can be reached Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. ET. Call1-800-950-NAMI (6264), text “HelpLine” to 62640, email at helpline@nami.org , or chat at nami.org/help
Text to 741741- The Crisis Text Line is a texting service for emotional crisis support. It is free, available 24/7, and confidential. Start your message with HOME or START or HELLO to get connected to a volunteer Crisis Counselor.
1.800.FARM-AID (1-800-327-6243) – Farm Aid has resources and a hotline for farmer support. (This is NOT a crisis line.) To talk to the Hotline Team directly, call 1-800-FARM-AID (1-800-327-6243). The Hotline is answered Monday through Friday from 9am – 10pm ET. Hotline assistance available in English and Spanish.
988 – has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Starting July 16, 2022, this became available to everyone across the United States.