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Category: News
Stress During Harvest
Alyssa Wade wrote a piece recently about farmers’ mental health during harvest. She makes a lot of excellent points that may be helpful to review as so many in our communities are dealing with these stressors right now.
“To those in the throes of harvest, it’s the accumulation of all their hard-earned efforts, and with that comes an intense and stressful season. Nearly all of the stressors that affect agricultural production are beyond the control of producers. Dealing daily with excessive workload, unforeseeable weather and extreme work conditions is exhausting.
Compound that with debt burden, unpredictable markets, inflation and equipment repairs, and it can result in endless hours of physical and emotional stress. Chronic stress can lead to injuries and accidents on the farm and, if left untreated, anxiety, depression and disease.
Stress in agriculture is inevitable, but learning how to identify it and manage it is crucial to staying healthy. Here are some changes you can incorporate this season to lessen stress and stay healthy while harvesting.
Eat healthy and drink water
During harvest, it can be easy to forget to take care of yourself. Stress eating can be tempting, and fast food is quick and convenient. Eating well-balanced meals with proteins, vegetables, fruits and complex carbohydrates during times of stress will keep you feeling full and energized longer. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and try not to abuse caffeinated drinks to the point where you may begin to feel jittery or anxious.
Prioritize sleep
As the old adage goes, “there is no rest for the weary” and working till the job is done is something growers are all too familiar with. There are times there is no way around long days and late nights, but prioritizing sleep is crucial to staying healthy. Lack of sleep can decrease reaction times, cause poor decision making, and lead to mistakes and/or accidents that could cost you time and money. After a stressful day in the field, the best way to assure a restful slumber is to try to create a cool, dark space to lay down and unwind. Aiming for seven to eight hours of quality sleep is best, and rest whenever possible.
Get physical activity
Sitting for hours, days and weeks in machinery during harvest can lead to physical tension as well as elevated stress. Take time to walk after supper or in the morning before the day starts. A short walk can have big benefits such as improving cardiovascular health, weight loss, increased endurance and energy, and the release of endorphins to improve your mood and relax. Daily stretching releases tension both physically and mentally, increases range of motion preventing injuries, and increases serotonin levels.
Limit alcohol and drug use
As much as a beer (or several) after a long day may feel relaxing and helpful to wind down, it can also affect your ability to get a good night’s rest. It may help you fall asleep faster, but it inhibits you from reaching the REM sleep state and as a result, can leave you feeling less rested and more fatigued. Self-medicating with drugs and alcohol when stressed can lead to more serious mental health issues in the future like anxiety and depression.
Create a plan
Agriculture is unpredictable, and although unanticipated circumstances may arise, it will help you to sit down with your family and employees and develop a well-thought-out plan. In order to facilitate a smooth and efficient harvest, allow your team to give input and develop a plan of action. Assign responsibilities to everyone involved and allow others to share the workload. Have an emergency or crisis plan in place for unforeseen events. Make plans for how things would be handled in the event of machinery breakdowns, injuries, accidents or other disasters.
Build a team you can rely on
Building a team to support you and your farm is extremely important and can cut down significantly on stress during times like harvest. Your team starts with your family and employees. Discuss with them what skillsets they have that they feel would be most valuable. Clearly communicate your expectations and put each team member in a place where you feel confident with them completing the assigned task(s) safely and efficiently. If there are tasks you feel your team is not equipped to handle, seek experts to help, such as Extension specialists who can help you enlist agronomists, financial advisors or other ag experts.
Take time away from the farm
Harvest season isn’t exactly the perfect time to take a vacation, but you can still take time away from the farm even if it’s just mentally. Blocking out a small window of time every day to eliminate any sort of farm-related talk or thoughts can release tension and aid in diminishing stress associated with the day. Pray, meditate, listen to music or a podcast, watch your favorite TV show, or talk to family/friends. Ten to 30 minutes is enough to leave you feeling re-energized and newly focused. Having something to look forward to like a vacation or special plans when harvest is completed can be helpful to staying positive as well.
Seek help if you need it
The most important asset on your farm is you. If you are starting to show signs of extreme stress, it is time to ask for help no matter what is happening on the farm. It may be time to seek help if you are experiencing extreme irritability, anxiety, depression, muscle tension and pain, rapid heartbeat, exhaustion, headaches, dizziness, high blood pressure, and digestive problems. It is okay to ask for help. Your farm cannot thrive if you are not well.
Utilizing these tips may not alleviate all the stress that can arise during harvest, but they can substantially reduce it, and that will benefit both your operation and your health.”
A link to Alyssa’s full article is below if you’d like to read more.
Crisis Hotline: 1-800-362-5717 24 hours a day
If you or someone you know may be considering suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (En Espanol: 1-888-628-9454; Deaf and Hard of Hearing: 1-800-799-4889) or the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741
- HOPELINE Text service
- text HOPELINE to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line
- Call 988 (press 1) or Text 838255
- Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in Wisconsin
- Call or Text 988
Here are some tips to help children navigate anger in healthy ways!
Recently we were asked why so few men are willing to get treatment for mental health conditions. Here are some reasons why.
Men avoiding mental health treatment can be attributed to a combination of social, cultural, and personal factors. It’s important to note that not all men avoid mental health treatment, and there is a growing awareness of the importance of seeking help for mental health issues among men. However, there are some common reasons why some men may be hesitant to seek treatment:
- Stigma: There is a persistent stigma around mental health in many societies, which can be particularly challenging for men to overcome. Men may fear being perceived as weak or unmanly if they admit to struggling with their mental health. This stigma can deter them from seeking help.
- Social expectations: Traditional gender norms often place an emphasis on stoicism, emotional restraint, and self-reliance for men. Admitting to mental health issues may be seen as a violation of these norms, which can discourage some men from seeking help.
- Fear of vulnerability: Men may be uncomfortable with opening up and being emotionally vulnerable, which can be a significant barrier to discussing their mental health concerns with a therapist or counselor.
- Lack of awareness: Some men may not be aware of the symptoms of mental health disorders or may not recognize the signs in themselves. This lack of awareness can lead to a delay in seeking treatment.
- Self-reliance: Men are often encouraged to solve their problems independently, and this self-reliance can lead to a reluctance to seek help, even when it is needed.
- Financial concerns: In some cases, men may avoid seeking mental health treatment due to financial constraints. They may fear the cost of therapy or medication, or they may not have access to affordable mental health services.
- Trust issues: Building trust with a mental health professional can be challenging for some individuals. Men, in particular, may have concerns about sharing their personal thoughts and feelings with someone they do not know well.
- Misconceptions about therapy: Some men may hold misconceptions about therapy, believing that it is only for severe mental illness or that it won’t be effective for them.
It’s important to address these barriers and promote mental health awareness and acceptance for men. Encouraging open conversations, reducing stigma, and providing resources and support can help more men seek the mental health treatment they may need. Additionally, offering a variety of treatment options, including online therapy, support groups, and self-help resources, can make it easier for men to access help in a way that feels comfortable to them.
Learn about Brain Health! An offering from our friends at the Aging & Disability Resource Center!
Hello Friends & Colleagues,
Brain health is a hot topic for older adults, their families, the professionals who support them – really, for all of us. The Wisconsin Institute for Healthy Aging is offering a free webinar titled Let’s Be Optimistic About Brain Health to share strategies for maintaining a healthy brain and reducing the risk of dementia.
Dr. Carol Van Hulle, a researcher in the Department of Medicine at the UW-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, will provide an overview of the changes that come with normal aging and talk about the things people can do to improve brain health and function.
Older adults, family members, professionals – all are encouraged to attend. Please share this widely.
When: Thursday, November 1st: 1:00 pm – 2:00 CST
Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZctfuippj0jHdPnmnJTdfFzo_qak3tTCGao#/registration
Learn more: https://wihealthyaging.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Brain-Health-Flyer_Final-10.02.23.pdf
Check this out!
Mineral Point Opera House | Michael Massey, 11/25/23
Part concert, part storytelling – Michael Massey will share his story of recovery.
Michael Massey is a singer, songwriter, composer, pianist, producer, and author, none of which would have happened if he hadn’t changed his life 30 years ago.
He wants to tell you about it.
Join us Saturday, November 25 at 7:30 pm, as Massey brings his inaugural multi-media presentation to the Mineral Point Opera House. Part concert, part storytelling, Mike will chronicle his journey with performance, video, and photos through coming of age, rock and roll debauchery, a downward spiral into the depths of substance abuse, and then like a phoenix rising out of the ashes, the joy, and accomplishments in his ongoing recovery.
It proves to be an entertaining, enlightening evening of song, humor, and redemption, though Michael insists it’s not a “motivational speaking” event. He prefers to “just be an example that it’s possible,” even when the world seems hopeless, to change your life for the better.
There is no admission cost for this event, but it is reserved seating.
Michael’s memoir, “MORE,” was recently published by Little Creek Press.
Are you concerned about someone who you believe may be depressed?
Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, it affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. You may have trouble doing normal day-to-day activities, and sometimes you may feel as if life isn’t worth living.
More than just a bout of the blues, depression isn’t a weakness and you can’t simply “snap out” of it. Depression may require long-term treatment. But don’t get discouraged. Most people with depression feel better with medication, psychotherapy or both.
Symptoms
Although depression may occur only once during your life, people typically have multiple episodes. During these episodes, symptoms occur most of the day, nearly every day and may include:
- Feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness or hopelessness
- Angry outbursts, irritability or frustration, even over small matters
- Loss of interest or pleasure in most or all normal activities, such as sex, hobbies or sports
- Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or sleeping too much
- Tiredness and lack of energy, so even small tasks take extra effort
- Reduced appetite and weight loss or increased cravings for food and weight gain
- Anxiety, agitation or restlessness
- Slowed thinking, speaking or body movements
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, fixating on past failures or self-blame
- Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions and remembering things
- Frequent or recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts or suicide
- Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches
For many people with depression, symptoms usually are severe enough to cause noticeable problems in day-to-day activities, such as work, school, social activities or relationships with others. Some people may feel generally miserable or unhappy without really knowing why.
Depression symptoms in children and teens
Common signs and symptoms of depression in children and teenagers are similar to those of adults, but there can be some differences.
- In younger children, symptoms of depression may include sadness, irritability, clinginess, worry, aches and pains, refusing to go to school, or being underweight.
- In teens, symptoms may include sadness, irritability, feeling negative and worthless, anger, poor performance or poor attendance at school, feeling misunderstood and extremely sensitive, using recreational drugs or alcohol, eating or sleeping too much, self-harm, loss of interest in normal activities, and avoidance of social interaction.
Depression symptoms in older adults
Depression is not a normal part of growing older, and it should never be taken lightly. Unfortunately, depression often goes undiagnosed and untreated in older adults, and they may feel reluctant to seek help. Symptoms of depression may be different or less obvious in older adults, such as:
- Memory difficulties or personality changes
- Physical aches or pain
- Fatigue, loss of appetite, sleep problems or loss of interest in sex — not caused by a medical condition or medication
- Often wanting to stay at home, rather than going out to socialize or doing new things
- Suicidal thinking or feelings, especially in older men
When to see a doctor
If you feel depressed, make an appointment to see your doctor or mental health professional as soon as you can. If you’re reluctant to seek treatment, talk to a friend or loved one, any health care professional, a faith leader, or someone else you trust.
When to get emergency help
If you think you may hurt yourself or attempt suicide, call 911 in the U.S. or your local emergency number immediately.
Also consider these options if you’re having suicidal thoughts:
- Call your doctor or mental health professional.
- Contact a suicide hotline.
- In the U.S., call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Or use the Lifeline Chat. Services are free and confidential.
- U.S. veterans or service members who are in crisis can call 988 and then press “1” for the Veterans Crisis Line. Or text 838255. Or chat online.
- The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the U.S. has a Spanish language phone line at 1-888-628-9454 (toll-free).
- Reach out to a close friend or loved one.
- Contact a minister, spiritual leader or someone else in your faith community.
If you have a loved one who is in danger of suicide or has made a suicide attempt, make sure someone stays with that person. Call 911 or your local emergency number 1-800-362-5717 immediately. Or, if you think you can do so safely, take the person to the nearest hospital emergency room.
All information above from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20356007
Recognizing Addiction in the Workplace
Does your staff need training on recognizing addiction in the workplace? Are you turning a blind eye because you don’t know what to do or how to help?
At Unified Community Services, we believe in fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace where every member of our team can thrive. If your organization shares this commitment to your staff and have encountered addiction in the workplace as one of the barriers to your employees thriving, we can help!
Reach out today to schedule a presentation with your leadership or management team. You will:
Gain valuable insights into the signs of addiction that may manifest in the workplace.
Learn how to approach and support team members who might be facing addiction challenges.
Explore best practices for creating a supportive and stigma-free work environment.
Understand the importance of workplace policies and resources to help those in need.
We help people facing the challenges of addiction every day at Unified Community Services. We offer an expertise that will empower your staff to face these challenges in healthy ways, equipping you with the tools to make a positive impact on your team’s well-being.
We invite all business leaders, managers, and HR professionals with concerns about addiction in the workplace to request a presentation. Your presence and commitment to this important issue can make a significant difference in the lives of your staff and the overall success of your organization.
Woo Hoo! First Place!
Unified Community Services took first place in the Lancaster Area Chamber of Commerce Business and & Residential Scarecrow Contest! Proud of our staff who created the display together and mobilized voters to cast 371 Likes! Amazing!