Fall is quickly approaching, where farm and ranch families work together to accomplish numerous tasks. Fall is often described as a favorite time of the year for producers; however, with time constraints and numerous factors (e.g. high fuel prices, fluctuating markets, unpredictable weather), increased stress can be experienced. During this time, it is important to monitor your stress signs, as these can be similar to symptoms of depression and/or anxiety.
Understanding Stress
Stress can be experienced in our body in multiple ways, including through emotions (moodiness, irritability, anger, loneliness, anxiousness, panic), cognitions (forgetful, constant worrying, pessimism), physical symptoms (fatigue, headaches, aches and pains, gastrointestinal), and behaviors (issues with sleep, eating too much or too little, use of alcohol, drugs, or cigarettes, procrastination). As you experience stress, try to take note of the intensity and frequency of your stress signs. If these stress signs are constant, pervasive, and difficult to manage, it may be time to seek help. Chronic stress can turn into depression or anxiety.
If you are experiencing farm stress or want to help others who are experiencing farm stress, organizations have expanded efforts across South Dakota. The following resources include options for seeking assistance.
Available Assistance
Help Networks
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Avera Farm and Rural Stress Hotline
Avera Farm and Rural Stress Hotline provides a mental health professional to discuss your symptoms and provide referral information. The hotline is staffed 24/7, and the call is confidential. The phone number is 1-800-691-4336. -
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
The Helpline Center announced the launch of 988 (call, text, or chat), which is a direct connection to support for anyone experiencing emotional distress. -
The Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network
The Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network provides training and professional services, a resource clearinghouse, and telephone helplines. Visit their website for additional resources.
SDSU Extension Programs
South Dakota State University Extension offers information and programming to address farm stress, including the following programs:
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Better Choices, Better Health® SD
Better Choices, Better Health® SD offers chronic disease self-management education workshops that are designed to help caregivers and adults living with ongoing physical and/or mental health conditions understand how healthier choices can improve quality of life, boost self-confidence, and inspire positive lifestyle changes. To register, please visit our Better Choices, Better Health® SD page. -
Mental Health First Aid
Mental Health First Aid is an evidence-based public education and prevention tool to improve the public’s knowledge of mental health, substance problems, and connect people with care for their mental health or substance use problems. Courses are offered throughout the year. To register for current courses, visit the SDSU Extension events page. -
Question, Persuade, Refer
Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) is a 1.5 hour training that teaches three simple steps that anyone can learn to save a life from suicide. To participate in a training, please contact Andrea Bjornestad, SDSU Extension Mental Health Specialist at Andrea.Bjornestad@sdstate.edu.
