{"id":26708,"date":"2025-11-10T15:34:38","date_gmt":"2025-11-10T23:34:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/skagit\/?page_id=26708"},"modified":"2025-12-19T12:59:13","modified_gmt":"2025-12-19T20:59:13","slug":"coping-with-stress","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/skagit\/coping-with-stress\/","title":{"rendered":"Coping With Stress"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wsu-hero wsu-width--full wsu-pattern--wsu-light-radial-left  wsu-herou002du002dsize-xsmall wsu-hero--style-boxed wsu-hero--size-xsmall \">\n\t<div class=\"wsu-hero__background\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wsu-image-frame wsu-image-frame--fill\">\n\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/57\/2025\/09\/barnzhorz.jpg\"\n\t\tsrcset=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/57\/2025\/09\/barnzhorz.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/57\/2025\/09\/barnzhorz.jpg 396w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/57\/2025\/09\/barnzhorz.jpg 792w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/57\/2025\/09\/barnzhorz.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/57\/2025\/09\/barnzhorz.jpg 1536w\"\n\t\tsizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\"\n\t\talt=\"Skagit Valley Wheat Field\"\n\t\tstyle=\"object-position: 44% 73%\"\n\t\t\/>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"wsu-hero__overlay\">\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"wsu-hero__content-wrapper\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wsu-hero__inner-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wsu-hero__title-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"wsu-hero__title\">What can I do to help?<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wsu-hero__caption\"><strong>Health &amp; Safety in Rural Communities<\/strong><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wsu-hero__content\">\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-row wsu-row--single\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n<div class=\"breadcrumbs \" typeof=\"BreadcrumbList\" vocab=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/\"><span property=\"itemListElement\" typeof=\"ListItem\"><a property=\"item\" typeof=\"WebPage\" title=\"Go to WSU Extension.\" href=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/\" class=\"main-home\" ><span property=\"name\">WSU Extension<\/span><\/a><meta property=\"position\" content=\"1\"><\/span> &gt; <span property=\"itemListElement\" typeof=\"ListItem\"><a property=\"item\" typeof=\"WebPage\" title=\"Go to Skagit County.\" href=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/skagit\" class=\"home\" ><span property=\"name\">Skagit County<\/span><\/a><meta property=\"position\" content=\"2\"><\/span> &gt; <span property=\"itemListElement\" typeof=\"ListItem\"><a property=\"item\" typeof=\"WebPage\" title=\"Go to News.\" href=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/skagit\/news\/\" class=\"post-root post post-post\" aria-current=\"page\"><span property=\"name\">News<\/span><\/a><meta property=\"position\" content=\"3\"><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-row wsu-row--sidebar-right\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left  wsu-font-size--xxlarge wsu-heading--style-marked\">Signs of Agriculture-Related Stress<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The last few years have been difficult for agriculture workers and their 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 signs include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Change in routines. <\/strong><br>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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Care of livestock declines. <\/strong><br>Livestock may not be cared for in the usual way; they may lose condition, appear gaunt or show signs of neglect or physical abuse.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Increase in illness. <\/strong><br>Individual may experience more upper respiratory illnesses (colds, flu) or other chronic conditions (aches, pains, persistent cough).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Increase in farm or ranch accidents. <\/strong><br>The risk of farm accidents increases due to fatigue or loss of ability to concentrate; children may be at risk if there isn\u2019t adequate childcare.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A<strong>ppearance of farmstead declines.<\/strong><br>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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Children show signs of stress. <\/strong><br>Children may act out, decline in academic performance or be increasingly absent from school; they may also show signs of physical abuse or neglect.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Warning Signs of Suicide Risk<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Talking or writing about suicide or death<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Feeling hopeless, trapped, or like a burden<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Giving away prized possessions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stockpiling pills or obtaining a weapon<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Saying goodbyes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Isolation from others<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Loss of interest in favorite activities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sudden cheerfulness or calm after a period of despondency<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Acting recklessly<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li> Increased drug and\/or alcohol use<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Changes in sleep patterns<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Being anxious or agitated<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n    <nav class=\"wsu-navigation-vertical wsu-vertical-menu\">\n        <ul id=\"wsu-site-menu\" class=\"wsu-menu-collapse wsu-menu-collapse--style-vertical\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/skagit\/suicide-prevention\/\">Farm Stress<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/skagit\/free-therapy-voucher-program\/\">Free Therapy Voucher Program<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/skagit\/farm-stress-management\/\">Farm Stress Management<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/skagit\/coping-with-stress\/\">Coping With Stress<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/skagit\/agrabilityteam\/\">Our Team<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/skagit\/register-for-the-farm-machinery-safety-work-shop\/\">Register for the Farm Machinery Safety Work Shop<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>    <\/nav>\n\n\n<div \n\tclass=\"wsu-people-list \"\n\tdata-component-id=\"3d1f46e74157425fb22f782c3568d91e\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-className=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-count=\"1\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-page=\"1\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-nid=\"c.kirchhoff\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-classification=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-university-category=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-university-location=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-university-organization=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-tag=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-profile-order=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-display-fields=\"photo,name,title,office,email\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-focus-area-label=\"Focus Area\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-website-link-text=\"Website\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-profile-link=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-headingTag=\"h2\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-columns=\"1\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-photo-size=\"medium\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-photo-srcset=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-filters=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-only-show-selected-term-values=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-exclude-term-values=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-include-term-values=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-directory-filter-label=\"Filter by Area\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-directory-filter-terms=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-category-filter-label=\"Filter by Category\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-category-filter-terms=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-classification-filter-label=\"Filter by Classification\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-classification-filter-terms=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-location-filter-label=\"Filter by Location\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-location-filter-terms=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-organization-filter-label=\"Filter by Organization\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-organization-filter-terms=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-search-filter-label=\"Type to search\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-tag-filter-label=\"Filter by Tag\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-tag-filter-terms=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-directory=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-exclude-child-directories=\"1\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-show-profile=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-indexProfiles=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-use-custom-profile-link=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-use-organization=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-custom-profile-link=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-base-url=\"https:\/\/people.wsu.edu\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tdata-children=\"\"\n\t\t><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What can I do to help?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Friends, extended family members, neighbors, milk haulers, veterinarians, clergy persons, school personnel or health and human service workers can help by first learning the common stressors that they face from one month to another. Asking for help is difficult. By understanding the warning signs of suicide risk, you can learn to identify if a person or family needs help and connect them with appropriate resources as soon as possible. Familiarize yourself with the resources available and have a plan to follow-up if the conversation comes up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p>\u201cFarming is a noble calling and many farmers see their occupation as a key part of their identities. When that occupation is threatened- by drought, flooding, disease or a down farm economy- people can feel like their meaning of life is disappearing.\u201d \u2013 Michael Rosmann, PhD<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Washington farmers produce over 300 commodities with ag production valued over 10.6 billion dollars in 2016 (WSDA, 2016).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite the large economic impact of ag, over half of Washington farmers work part time off farm (WSDA, 2016).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Farmers and Ranchers have 15th highest rates of suicide according to the CDC, 2018.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-row wsu-row--single\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<p>If you are concerned that someone you know may be at risk, have a direct conversation. Asking about suicide does not cause harm or elevate risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019re here to remind our neighbors, friends, co-workers, and loved ones that they are not alone. If you or  someone you know is struggling, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at <strong>988 <\/strong>or <strong>1-833-897-2474<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-row wsu-row--single\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Additional Resources<\/b><\/h3>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-row wsu-row--side-left\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"792\" height=\"442\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/57\/2025\/04\/AgriStress-HelplineGEN-792x442.png\" alt=\"Logo for the Agri Stress Help Line, illustrating a commitment to providing mental health resources for the agricultural community.\" class=\"wp-image-24758\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/57\/2025\/04\/AgriStress-HelplineGEN-792x442.png 792w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/57\/2025\/04\/AgriStress-HelplineGEN-396x221.png 396w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/57\/2025\/04\/AgriStress-HelplineGEN-768x428.png 768w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/57\/2025\/04\/AgriStress-HelplineGEN-1536x856.png 1536w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/57\/2025\/04\/AgriStress-HelplineGEN-2048x1142.png 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 792px) 100vw, 792px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">AgriStress Helpline<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">AgriStress HelpLine is a free 24-hour, 7-days-a-week hotline designed for the agricultural community and their families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">If you or someone you know is struggling,&nbsp;<br><strong>call or text 833-897-2474<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-row wsu-row--single\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do you have agricultural related issues that are causing you stress? <br>Access the two resources below that can help:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/57\/2023\/07\/Farmstress-link-1.png\" alt=\"WRASAP Banner\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/57\/2023\/07\/Farmaid-banner.png\" alt=\"Farmaid number 1-800-327-6243, free ag recources in your area\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-row wsu-row--single\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Leading Partners in Washington State<\/h3>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-row wsu-row--halves\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/57\/2023\/07\/thumbnail_DOH-logo_horizontal_122122.png\" alt=\"Visual representation of the Washington State Department of Health, highlighting its commitment to health services and safety.\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/extension\/uploads\/sites\/57\/2019\/03\/Skagit-County-002.png\" alt=\"Skagit County Extension logo, illustrating a commitment to agricultural education and community resources in the region.\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-row wsu-row--single\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p>WSU Agricultural Suicide Prevention Pilot Program is funded through the State of Washington, Department of Health under the provisions of House Bill 2671. If you would like to contribute to the work of raising awareness about <i>excessive stress<\/i> and <i>suicide prevention<\/i> in agriculture, please reach out to WSU Skagit County Extension.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><i>This webpage is also supported by the Western Region Agricultural Stress Assistance Program, funded by the USDA Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network, under agreement number: 2020-70028-32731 proposal number: 2020-07631.<\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>WSU and the Agricultural Suicide Prevention Program is not a crisis center. <\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>If you are in need of immediate assistance, reach out to the National Suicide Prevention line, at <span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">988<\/span> or <span style=\"text-decoration: underline\"><strong>call or text 833-897-2474<\/strong> (8255)<\/span><\/em><\/h5>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n        <div id=\"cahnrs-back-to-top\" class=\"cahnrs-back-to-top\" hidden aria-hidden=\"true\">\n            <a id=\"cahnrs-back-to-top-btn\" class=\"cahnrs-back-to-top__btn\" href=\"#product-top\" aria-label=\"Back to top\">\n                <span class=\"cahnrs-back-to-top__icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2191<\/span>\n                <span class=\"cahnrs-back-to-top__label\">Back to top<\/span>\n            <\/a>\n        <\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Agriculture Can Be Stressful- You&#8217;re Not Alone Coping with Excessive Stress Agriculture is known to be a dangerous occupation full of potential stressors like weather, changing economic markets and machinery breakdowns. When these start to&amp;hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":177,"featured_media":12718,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_mi_skip_tracking":false,"_expiration_date":""},"categories":[55,58],"tags":[],"cahnrs_clean_page_nonce":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/skagit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/26708"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/skagit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/skagit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/skagit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/177"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/skagit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=26708"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/skagit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/26708\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":27176,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/skagit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/26708\/revisions\/27176"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/skagit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12718"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/skagit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=26708"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/skagit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=26708"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/extension.wsu.edu\/skagit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=26708"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}