Farm Family Stress and Depression:

A Checklist and Guide for Making Referrals[1]

 

 

 

Roger T. Williams                                                                  Robert J. Fetsch

Professional Development & Applied Studies                     Human Development & Family Studies

University of Wisconsin-Madison                                         Colorado State University

 

 

 

signs of farm stress

The last few years have been difficult for farm families.  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 members, neighbors, milk haulers, veterinarians, clergy persons, 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, Home makers or other groups, or no longer stops in at the local coffee shop or feed mill.	·         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 illness.  Farmers or farm family members may experience more upper respiratory illnesses (colds, flu) or other chronic conditions (aches, pains, persistent cough).	·         Increase in farm accidents.  The risk of farm accidents increases due to fatigue or loss of ability to concentrate; children may be at risk if there isn’t adequate childcare.
·         Appearance of farmstead declines.  The farm family no longer takes pride in the way farm buildings and grounds appear, or no longer has the time to do maintenance work.	·        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 stressed out for long periods of time – chronic, prolonged stress – they may experience a number of signs and symptoms.  Watch for the following effects in farm families you see on a day-to-day basis:

Physical	Emotional	Behavioral
___  Headaches	___  Sadness	___  Irritability
___  Ulcers	___  Depression	___  Backbiting
___  Backaches	___  Bitterness	___  Acting Out
___  Eating Irregularities	___  Anger	___  Withdrawal
___  Sleep Disturbances	___  Anxiety	___  Passive-Aggressiveness
___  Frequent Sickness	___  Loss of Spirit	___  Alcoholism
___  Exhaustion	___  Loss of Humor	___  Violence

 

Cognitive	Self-Esteem
___  Memory Loss	___  “I’m a failure.”
___  Lack of Concentration	___  “I blew it.”
___  Inability to Make Decisions	___  “Why can’t I…?”

 

signs of depression or suicidal intent

The greater the number of signs or symptoms a farm family is experiencing, the greater your concern should be.  In addition, if family members are exhibiting the following signs of depression or suicidal intent, it is important that you connect them with professional help as soon as possible.  All cries for help should be taken seriously.

 

Signs of Depression	Signs of Suicidal Intent
___  Appearance:  Sad face, slow movements, unkempt look.	___  Anxiety or depression:  Severe, intense feelings of anxiety or depression.
___  Unhappy feelings:  Feeling sad, hopeless, discouraged, and listless.	___  Withdrawal or isolation:  Withdrawn, alone, lack of friends and supports.
___  Negative thoughts:  “I’m a failure;” “I’m no good,” “No one cares.”	___  Helpless and hopeless:  Sense of complete powerlessness, a hopeless feeling.
___  Reduced activity and pleasure in usual activities:  “Doing anything is just too much of an effort.”	___  Alcohol abuse:  There is often a link between alcoholism and suicide.
___  People problems:  “I don’t want anyone to see me,” “I feel so lonely.”	___  Previous suicidal attempts:  May have been previous attempts of low to high lethality.
___  Physical problems:  Sleeping problems, decreased sexual interest, headaches.	___  Suicidal plan:  Frequent or constant thoughts with a specific plan in mind.
___  Guilt and low self esteem:  “It’s all my fault,” “I should be punished.”	___  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 resources available in                     c) State what you think the person’s or family’s needs

your community – what services they offer and what                           are (needs immediate protection from suicidal acts,

their limitations are.                                                                                     needs an appointment for counseling, needs financial

2. Listen for signs and symptoms that the person or                         or legal advice).

family needs help which you can’t provide, i.e., financial,                    d) Provide the agency with background information

legal or personal counseling.                                                                     (name, address and phone; age and gender; nature of

3. Assess what agency or community resource would                     current problem or crisis; any past history you’re

be most appropriate to address the person’s (or family’s)                   aware of; further information as called for).

problems.                                                                                                       e) Ask the agency what follow-up action they will

4. Discuss the referral with the person or family (“It                          take:

sounds/looks like you are feeling _____.  I think _____                      *When will they act on the referral?

could help you deal with your situation.”)                                              *Who will be the person for you to contact later if

5. Explore the individual’s or family’s willingness to                         necessary?

initiate contact with the community resource (“How do                       *What will be the cost of the service (flat fee/sliding

you feel about seeking help from this person/agency?”).                    scale)?

6. Where the person or family is unwilling to take the                       *Do you need to do anything else to complete the

initiative or where there is some danger if action is not                        referral?

taken, you should take the initiative:                                        7.  Make sure the person or family and the referral agency         

a)       Call the agency and ask to speak to the intake       connect and get together.  Make one or more follow-up

worker (if there is one).                                                       contacts with the agency if called for by the situation.

b)       Identify yourself and your relationship with

the person or family.

 

 

Reprinted with modifications by permission of Colorado State University Extension.

 

 

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture. University of Vermont Extension, Burlington, Vermont. University of Vermont Extension, and U.S. Department of Agriculture, cooperating, offer education and employment to everyone without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or familial status.