SIGNS OF STRESS IN FARM FAMILIES

by Don Bower and Mary Anne Pace-Nichols
Extension Human Development Specialists

Job loss or reduction of income can have a major impact on the psychological and physical well being of individuals and families (Liem & Rayman, 1982, 1984). For example, increases in anxiety, depression, hostility, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and mortality rates have been linked with job loss. In addition, increases in substance abuse, family violence and suicide have been found among those experiencing unemployment and financial distress (Liem & Rayman, 1982, 1984). Farm families are not immune from the stresses and strains of financial hardship.

The interaction of economic hardship with the characteristic strengths and traditions of farm families can produce stress which requires special consideration when working to overcome the effects of circumstances which produce difficult times. Understanding of the individual and the family is the first step toward resolving the problem and the focus of this article.

Farm families make up a unique population whose business bonds them to their land. They not only work the land they own, but live on the land they farm (Ikerd, 1986). Realizing the significance and meaning of the land for farm families is an essential key to developing an understanding of how the current crisis in agriculture is affecting those who farm.

Quite often farm loss and the resulting trauma experienced by the farm family is met with surprise by those who have had little contact with farming. "Isn't farming just another business, and businesses go under all the time!" When a closer look is taken, the reality for farm families is that farming is more than a job or an occupation. It is a way of life, a family and community tradition. Being a farmer is a vital component of individual and family identity. In addition, and perhaps most significantly, farming involves a generational trust of the land spanning many decades. For some this trust reaches back before the turn of the century. This generational trust of the land entails a sense of responsibility to both the current generation's foremothers and forefathers as well as to the future generation (one's children and grandchildren). The significance of the land, the meaning of farming, and generational trusts are all important components that make up part of the rich tradition of farming.

In addition, farm families by their very nature come by several significant characteristics that help make them who they are. They are socialized to be especially independent, proud, and self-reliant both as individuals and as family units. And the American work ethic is perhaps at its best and at its strongest among farmers. These are positive and desirable traits, all of which are necessary if one is to take on a life of farming, a life that entails hard work, dedication, a stewardship of the land, and living with great uncertainties such as weather, market prices, interest rates, and national policy. However, it can be these very traits that make it difficult for farm families to reach out when they come up against tough times. For the most part farm families are not accustomed to reaching out for help when faced with personal and/or financial crisis.

For the farm family, the meshing of household with occupation creates a family dynamic that is different from that of non-farm families (Salamon & Markan, 1984). For example, farm families are constantly faced with balancing resources, time, and energy between the household and the farm operation (Bennett, 1982). As a result family members of several generations work side by side creating a family investment in the operation. These families also experience intensified family interaction at a level not generally found in non-farm families (Lasley, Schnittjer, & Barranti, 1985). Indeed it is easy to conclude how financial stress or threat of farm loss can and does affect every farm family member at a personal level.

EXPERIENCES AND REACTIONS TO FINANCIAL STRESS

Individuals and families respond uniquely to economic hardship. Some experience pressure, dissatisfaction, agitation, discomfort, fear, and other aversive feelings (Rosenblatt & Keller, 1983). Others may experience intense and severe distress that throws them into a state of crisis. Some may have physical symptoms, others emotional symptoms. When anything threatens something of importance and value to an individual, some stress is normal and even productive. But too much stress can be harmful. Physical health, emotional well-being, intellectual functioning, relationships, and overall sense of meaning in life are all at risk when the amount of stress in one's life becomes overwhelming. The degree of the impact can range from minor or short-term stress to in-depth or severe problems or crises. The severity of the crisis is dependent on the interaction of the following four factors/influences (LaVee, McCubbin, & Patterson, 1985):

When working with families, you will also find that males, females, adults and children react differently (Allen, Harmelink, and Norem, 1986). For example, men report stressful events related to work and self-image as more disturbing while women report events related to relationships as highly stressful. The man's means of fulfilling his roles as man, husband, and father may appear to be jeopardized by the crisis. Women, on the other hand, may experience the stress and strain of economic hardship indirectly. They attempt to comfort and protect the family from the negative effects of the crisis (Allen, Harmelink, & Norem, 1986; Harmelink, 1985). They may also want to help by getting a job (if they don't already have one), but the husband may want his wife to play a more traditional role. Young children may think they caused the problem, while teens may take an extreme action - ranging from running away to getting a job to help support the family. The family roles and many family values may be challenged.

Unlike general or low-intensity stress, a major crisis may cause the symptoms to last longer and be more intense. The emotional discomfort and psychological distress experienced in crisis is so severe that a person cannot remain in the state of crisis indefinitely. If there is some kind of helpful intervention the outcome of crisis can be a new and perhaps creative solution to the precipitating event. With no intervention a crisis has a greater likelihood of resulting in self destructive acts and/or a decrease in individual and family well-being (Janosik, 1984). The stages of response to a stressful event or crisis are illustrated on the diagram, "Stages of Crisis." As you can see, patience is necessary because the adjustment process cannot be rushed. Those under severe stress or crisis may not be physically or emotionally capable of utilizing coping skills which worked earlier. They may not be able to accept or even acknowledge help from others.

thinking that you cannot cope with your problems

- thinking that you're falling apart

- having your thoughts "jumble up" so that you don't know that to do or what to think about first when you want to tackle your problems

- thinking that there is something that has to be done right now, but you're not sure what

- feeling uncomfortable in supermarkets or other crowded places

- feeling that you are often tense

- feeling frightened for no reason that you can put your finger on

- getting upset by "little things" that you think you should not be allowing to "get to" you

- feeling afraid when you are alone

- feeling that you are going to be left all alone, when there is no logical reason for feeling that way

- feeling irritable

- feeling that the room is closing in on you

- forgetting what you were going to do, such as walking into a room and forgetting why, or getting major items you were going to buy at the supermarket

- worrying about "every little thing"

- ruminating--that is, having the same worrisome thought over and over, and not being able to get a nagging, ugly thought out of your mind

- having nightmares

- feeling that you are under a great deal of pressure to get things done, or that you work under much more pressure than other people in your circumstances

- feeling as if something dreadful is going to happen, although there is no logical reason for this

- feeling that you may lose control of your feelings and hurt someone, but don't want to

- feeling as if you are going to die, although your physician tells you there is nothing medically wrong with you

- feeling that the world is caving in around you

Robinson, J.W. (1985). Stress and Wellness: A text workbook for farm families and agribusiness professionals. Champaign, IL: Well Way, page 23.

In general, the outcome of a crisis depends on several factors:

1. The kind of help available.

2. The resources of the individual and family.

3. The ability of the family to utilize their resources and accept assistance.

Typically, there is a time lag between the arrival of the precipitating or threatening event and the disorganization and disequilibrium phase in the experience of crisis. This dormancy period can last anywhere from several hours to several weeks (Janosik, 1984). It is during this time period that the individual or family is attempting to solve the problem and not succeeding. The result is anxiety, confusion, indecision, and preoccupation with the problem, all of which increase the level of stress and strain. Unsuccessful efforts at resolving the event lead to the perception of the problem as unsolvable. Anxiety increases as do frustration, feelings of entrapment, guilt, helplessness, and hopelessness. At this point the individual is falling into a state of disequilibrium and disorganization that includes distortions in thinking, emotions, and behavior.

Anxiety, a major component in disequilibrium and disorganization, is extremely uncomfortable. It can cause decreased efficiency, forgetfulness, selective inattention, and the inability to reliably recall details and information. In fact, it is not uncommon for a person who is experiencing disequilibrium and disorganization to make contradictory statements when recalling an event or giving information (Janosik, 1984).

The most critical phase of the crisis process is this disequilibrium and disorganization phase. How an individual or family weathers a crisis is determined at this point in the crisis experience. The search for solutions to the threatening event is hampered by the distortions, irrationality, and other symptoms of this phase (see the "Stages of Crisis" chart). How the individual or family seeks resolution has a significant impact on whether or not the outcome of the crisis will lead to growth and strength or to decreased well-being and greater susceptibility to future crisis (Caplan, 1964). For example, individuals and families who have emerged from a crisis stronger and in a better state of emotional health approach a crisis in the following ways (Caplan, 1964):

1. They face the problem and grapple with the realities of the event while searching for a solution.

2. They focus energy on problem solving.

3. They avoid blaming of self and others.

4. They are able to express such feelings as fear, anxiety, and sorrow.

5. And, perhaps most importantly, they are able to accept help from others.

On the other hand, some individuals and families are unable to employ such adaptive strategies for crisis resolution. Those who come out of a crisis less strong, more prone to future problems, and with decreased well-being use such nonadaptive strategies as avoidance of the problem, denial of the psycho-emotional distress of crisis, blaming, refusing help and/or not seeking help (Caplan, 1964).

REACTIONS TO FARM LOSS AND/OR MAJOR FINANCIAL ADJUSTMENTS

The significance and meaning of the land and of farming in the lives of farm families runs deep. As a result the crisis of losing the farm or even near loss is very similar to the experience of losing a loved one. Farm families go through the various stages of the grieving process. Understanding the various stages of grief and loss and where a client may be in the grief cycle can help you work more effectively with them.

Stage 1: Shock and denial. The first stage of grief over a loss is shock and denial. There is an emotional inability to accept or comprehend the reality of the loss. In fact the person, couple or family may experience such numbness that there is confusion and an inability to perform normally easy tasks. There may be actual denial of the loss. It is especially difficult to explore alternatives and solutions at this stage.

Stage 2: Anger and intense emotion. As the farmer or farm family begins to realize more clearly what is happening, they begin to feel strong emotions such as frustration, hurt and helplessness. Anger is often a normal consequence of such emotions and of loss and may be directed outward to lenders, agents, or other family members.

Stage 3: Depression and detachment. Feelings of guilt and self blame over the loss can easily turn into depression. Feeling overwhelmed, loss of energy, and intense sadness can immobilize the individual and family. Withdrawal from normal activities and from relationships is common at this stage. The potential for suicide is present, if there is a severe lack of hope, high anxiety, intense self blame, and depression.

Symptoms of Depression: low mood, anxiety, crying, loss of interest in usual activities, general withdrawal, appetite, weight, and sleep disturbances, extreme change in normal physical appearance, hyperactivity or loss of energy, diminished capacity for affection, decreased interest in sex, feelings of guilt, worthlessness, hopelessness, and despair, slowed thinking, poor concentration, memory loss, inability to make decisions, suicidal tendencies, overall loss of satisfaction with life.

Warning Signs of Suicide: shows no concern for loved ones, general withdrawal, drastic changes in physical appearance, sleep disturbance and other signs of depression, lack of future orientation in conversation, keeps emotions pent up and appears not to hurt, plans closure (makes plans for burial plot, buys life insurance, writes a will, reconciles relationships), gives away valued possessions, preoccupation with death or suicide.

Stage 4: Dialogue. With time and support from others, depression subsides and the individual will begin to reach out to talk and to listen. There is a need to "tell one's story" - possibly over and over. This helps make sense of what has happened. It is at this state that a client is best able to explore alternatives.

Stage 5: Acceptance. Dialogue enables one to explore acceptance options and devise a probable action plan. It is never easy to feel good about a loss. But it is possible to feel relief when one begins to see the "light at the end of the tunnel," and to cherish what has been lost. Life may never be the same for the farm family but it can once again be meaningful and good. With increasing strength and hope the farm family is able to begin to build a new life.

Recovering from loss is a process rather than an event. It takes time. The severely painful aspects of the grief cycle typically last from three to twelve weeks. The mourning of the loss lasts one to two years (Janosik, 1984). However, it is important to realize that individuals go through the stages at different paces. In fact, family members can be at different places in the grief cycle at a specific point in time. For example, while one spouse may be in the dialogue stage, another may be in depression and detachment. This can add additional stress to a family already suffering if it is viewed as a weakness rather than as a strength. It may also create more stress in the family if one person is ready to talk about solutions and another is still resisting or in depression. Also keep in mind that individuals experiencing grief may not go through the stages in any orderly manner and may vacillate between stages as they go through the process.

Positive recovery from loss is dependent on several factors. The psycho-emotional resources of the family are an important key to positive recovery. Positive recovery requires:

1. The ability to communicate openly.

2. The ability to see the problem as solvable.

3. The ability to tackle the problem as a family.

4. The ability to reach out and accept help.

5. The ability to participate in supportive relationships with extended kin, neighbors, helpers, church, etc.

Reactions to the stress must be coupled with counseling and interview techniques which are known to work. More severe reactions such as anxiety, depression, and suicide may necessitate referrals to other helping agencies. Developing positive community support can be a vital component of a total program aimed at distressed farm families. The availability and accessibility of supportive services, and a non-judgmental community are also important factors that facilitate positive recovery. Working with distressed individuals/families can be emotionally draining and in itself stressful; therefore, suggestions on stress management for you, the agent, are offered in Helping the Client Cope With Stress.