Recognizing Farm Family Stress

by Roger T. Williams

 Roger Williams is Professor of Professional Development of Applied Studies at the UW-Madison

 Farm Family Stress: AChecklist & Guide for Making Referrals

The last few years have been difficult for farm families and many are experiencing financial and emotional stress as a result.  There are several signs or symptoms when a farm family may be in need of help.  These are signs that can be observed by friends, extended family membrs, neighbors, milk haulers, veterinarians, cleary person, school personnel or health and human service workers.  These signs include:

     * Change in routines.  The farmer or farm family stops attending church, drops out of 4-H, homemakers or other groups or no longer stops in at the local coffee shop or feed mill.

     *  Increase in Illness.  Farmers or farm family members may experiece more upper respiratory illnesses (colds, flu) or other chronic consitions (aches, pains, persistant cough).

     *  Appearance of farmstead declines.  The farm family no longer takes pride in the way farm buildings and ground appear or no longer has the time to do mainenance work.

     *  Care of livestock declines.  Cattle may not be cared for in the usual way; they may lose condition, appear gaunt or show signs of neglect or physical abuse.

     *  Increase in farm accidents.  The risk of farm accidents increases due to fatigue or loss of ability to concentrate; children my be at risk if there isn’t adequate childcare.

     * Children show signs of stress.  Farm children may act out, decline in academic performance or be increasingly absent from school; they may also show signs of physical abuse or neglect.

 Signs of Chronic, Prolonged Stress

When farm families are under stress for long periods of time- chronic prolonged stress-they may experience a number of signs and symtoms.  Watch for the following effects in farm families you see on a day to day basis.

Physical Emotional Behavioral Cognitive Self-Esteem Headaches Sadness Irritablity Memory Loss I’m a failure”, etc Ulcers Depression Backbiting Lack of Concentration “Why can’t I?” Backaches Bitterness Acting Out Inability to Make Decisions   Eating irregularities Anger Withdrawl     Sleep Disturbances Anxiety Passive-Agresseiveness     Frequent Sickness Loss of Spirit Alchoholism     Exhaustion Loss of Humor Violence

Signs of Depression of Suicidal Intent: The greater the number of signs or symptoms a farm family member is experiencing, the greater your concern should be.  In addition, if farm family members are exhibiting the following signs of depression or suicidal intent, it is important that they get linked up with help as soon as possible.  All cries for hlep should be taken seriously.

Signs of Depression:

Appearance Sad face, slow movements, unkempt look Unhappy Feelings Feeling sad, hopeless, discouraged, listless Negative thoughts I’m a failure, I’m no good, No one cares Reduced Activity Doing anything is too much effort People Problems I don’t want anyone to see me, I feel so lonely Physical Problems Sleeping problems, decreased sexual interest, headaches Guilt and low self Esteem It’s all my fault, I should be punished

Signs of Suicidal Intent

Anxiety or depression Severe, intense feelings of anxiety or depression Withdrawl or isolation Withdrawn, alone, lack of friends and support Helpless and Hopeless Sense of complete powerlessness, a hopeless feeling Alcohol abuse There is often a link between alcoholism and suicide Previous Suicidal Attempts May be previous attempts of low to high lethality Suicidal plan Frequent or constant thoughts with a specific plan in mind Cries for Help Making a will, giving possessions away, making statements such as “I’m calling it quits, or Maybe my family would be better off without me”

How to refer a person for help

1. Be aware of the agencies and resoures available in your community-what services they offer and what their limitations are.

2. Listen for signs and symptoms that the person or family needs help which you can’t provide, i.e. financial, legal or personal counseling.

3. Assess what agency or community resource would be most appropriate to address the person’s (or family’s) problem.

4. Discuss the referral with the person or family (“It looks like you are feeling-------I think--------------- could hlep you deal with your situatio.”)

5. Explore the individual’s or family’s willingess to initiage contact with the community resource. (“How do you feel about seeking hlep from this person/agency?”)

6. Where the person or family is unwilling to take the initiative or where there is some danger if action is ot taken, you take the initiative:

a. call the agency and ask to speak to the intake worker (if there is one)

b. Identify yourself and your relationship with the person or family

c. State what you think the person’s or family’s needs are (Needs immediate protection from suicidal acts, needs an appointment for counseling, needs financial or legal advice.)

d. Provide the agency with background information (name and address and phone number; age and sex; nature of current problem or cirsis; any past history you’re aware of; further information as called for)

e. Ask the agency what follow-up action they will take: When will they act on the referral?  Who will be the person for you to contact later?  What will be the cost of the service?  Do you need to do anything else to complete the referral?

7. Make sure the person/family and the Referral Agency connect and get together.  Make one or more follow-up contacts with the agency if called for by the situation.