February 2025 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 49 If the above symptoms persist, seek the care of a medical provider. Other signs of stress overload include observed changes on the ranch condition such as equipment or buildings in disrepair and livestock in need of attention. Stress can also be seen in family and friend relationships. Stressed individuals may withdraw from others and seem unlike themselves. Children may also be affected by stress, and quite often this is noted as a change in school performance. The interpretation of stress is individual, and symptoms may vary between family members, friendship circles and genders. Research shows female producers experience unique stressors: taking responsibility for the whole family’s health and wellbeing, completing “invisible labor” on the farm/ranch and taking on “third shifts,” including childcare, farm and ranch work and securing off-ranch income. Due to the geographic isolation of ranching families, females may also lack the social support necessary to feel connected and achieve a sense of belonging. Male producers tend to experience more stress related to environmental and economic conditions. Uncertainty in commodity market prices, vulnerability to weather events, financial strains, as well as isolation from social and professional support add to the stress load. Additionally, the role of stigma and a do-it-yourself mentality can discourage individuals from asking for help when addressing health problems. Stress Regulation Accumulated stress over time can lead to physical and psychological strain. This can lead to depression, anxiety, an increased risk of injuries and decreased productivity. Researchers have found that accumulated stress can intensify the distress burden as producers equate health with the ability to work. If left unchecked, prolonged accumulated stress can lead to other chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, stroke, heart attack, diabetes and may increase cancer risk. What Do Producers Say in Rural Communities? What connects you to the love of your work, land, livestock? Is it an enduring connection to and love for the land, the desire to raise a family on the ranch, a heritage connecting to ancestors or a preferred way of life? For many producers, this lifestyle is part of their self-identity. Some self-identities and rancher attitudes are optimism, forward looking, productivism and hopeful forecasting. Perceiving yourself in the context of agricultural work is essential to your understanding of who you are and how you interact in your environment. Healthy coping mechanisms lead to a higher level of work satisfaction, increased meaning in relationships and an overall healthier lifestyle. Last September, AgriSafe asked Husker Harvest Days Safety Zone participants to share tried-andtrue coping mechanisms via a community sticky note board. See the results in the accompanying image. Connecting with nature, listening and playing music, intentional exercise, deep breathing and taking a break are the more widely used coping mechanisms. Similarly, social connections reduce stress and protect against the negative effects of stress. Having conversations in local cafés, church, ranch shops or the roadside in your pickup provides a sense of belonging and support. Positioning Yourself for Better Health Outcomes Adapting a positive mindset is shown to increase a higher level of adaptivity, particularly during times of increased stress. Occupational stress in ranching can be seasonal – how you cope can determine your overall health and wellbeing. Finding a non-ranching hobby and time away from the farm/ranch are healthy coping mechanisms that provide reprieve and reset to the daily grind of cattle production. Community-based mental health education programs inform producers of the behavioral health risks associated with their occupation as well as provide strategies for communities. Check out AgriSafe’s free suicide prevention trainings Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR), https://www.agrisafe.org/ courses/qpr/, and Conversations on Access to Lethal Means (CALM), https://www.agrisafe.org/courses/calm/, to learn more. Nebraska producers also have free access to the Rural Response Hotline, https://farmhotline.com/. This valuable resource for ranchers and rural residents provides connection to Nebraska services during difficult times. Nebraska cattle producers work hard every day to provide for a hungry world. Equally, their self-care should match the level of care they provide their livestock. This year, assess your stress and take doable steps to manage it. Balance is achievable and within reach! After all, your good health matters. ~NC~
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTMxNTA5