Mental Health and Stress Management

Jill Webster Ph.D., Utah State University

Abstract

Farmers and ranchers experience many stress factors that are unique to their jobs and way of life. These stress factors are very di cult to cope with. These stress factors include: weather conditions, markets, time constraints, milk and commodity prices, crop and livestock disease, governmental regulations, high interest rates, high property taxes, foreclosure, bankruptcy, and competition. If these stress factors are allowed to build up, they have the potential to a ect the mental health of the agriculturist and their family. To ensure mental health, it is important that farmers be aware of methods of stress reduction to help them cope with the pressures inherent within agriculture. Below are several stress reduction methods that when applied are all e ective ways of reducing stress and improving mental health.