Signs to Recognize

If you’ve dealt with stress before, you may have been told to push through or ignore it. While that advice means well, it can actually make your situation worse. The following are early signs of anxiety or depression.

Trouble staying awake

Problems sleeping

Having trouble concentrating

Sense of constant uneasiness

Feeling the weight of the world

If you experience any of these, talk with a professional before they get worse. Everyone deals with them at some point in their life, and nobody is seen as weak when they talk about it.

Support Yourself

When you start to feel stressed out, it’s important to take time for yourself and relieve any mental fatigue. Keep in mind, these tips are only for the early stages of anxiety and depression.

OPEN UP TO FAMILY OR FRIENDS

Your loved ones are here for you because they do indeed love you and want to listen. Everyone goes through stress and understands it’s hard. It won’t be a sign of weakness to express how you feel. You’ll be surprised at how saying it out loud really helps.

ENGAGE WITH THE COMMUNITY

It can feel isolating being on the farm all the time. If there’s an event or meeting in town, take the opportunity to see friendly faces and enjoy their company. Creating connections will help you feel supported. Visit your local place of worship or participate in other community events such as those held by your local farm bureau.

GET ENOUGH SLEEP

This is the one time everyone can shut down from everything and recharge. If your sleep is disrupted or becomes infrequent, it can wear down your physical and mental health. For proper hygiene, you wash your hands before cooking or eating, right? Well, you also need proper sleep hygiene. For more information, click here.

PRACTICE GRATITUDE

Being thankful is more than just a dinnertime or bedtime routine; it can tap into positive mental health. Regularly taking the time and thinking about who or what you’re thankful for can genuinely create a feeling of happiness.

EAT A BALANCED DIET

Meat and potatoes are honestly delicious, but they shouldn’t be the only things you eat. Eating healthy, balanced meals doesn’t just improve your physical health, it makes you feel energized and good about yourself. So, consistently add fruits and vegetables every day, and avoid processed foods.

AVOID ALCOHOL

Alcohol can be deceptive. It might seem harmless and fun for a moment, but it can wear you down in the long run, with a risk for addiction, disrupting sleep and worsening depression. And if you have mental health struggles, the risk is even greater.

MEET A MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL

Many farmers receive confidential help from mental health professionals such as psychologists, counselors, therapists or psychiatrists. Some offer their services online, so you won’t even need to leave the comfort of your home. For resources, click here.

Signs of Suicidal Behavior

If you have reached a breaking point, don’t be afraid to reach out. Know that your loved ones want to help, and professionals understand what farmers go through. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these behaviors, do not hesitate to seek help.

  • Changing behaviors
  • Acting anxious or agitated
  • Eating or sleeping more or less than usual
  • Taking risks, like driving recklessly
  • Using drugs and/or alcohol more frequently
  • Making a plan or researching ways to die
  • Talking about being a burden to others or that others would be better off without them
  • Feeling trapped or experiencing unbearable pain
  • Feeling empty, hopeless, or lacking a reason to live
  • Talking about wanting to die
Woman holding her head