4 Handling Stress on the Farm
Stress Impacts Your Health
Feeling stressed for periods of time can take a toll on your mental and physical
health. Our bodies respond to stress by releasing stress hormones. These
hormones make blood pressure, heart rate, and blood sugar levels go
up. The first symptoms are relatively mild, like chronic headaches and
increased susceptibility to colds however with increased exposure to
chronic stress more serious health problems may develop. Some
stress- influenced conditions include, but are not limited to:
Recognizing symptoms of stress
Stress can surface in the form of physical, emotional and behavioural changes depending on the
person and situation.
Check the stress symptoms you may have experienced.
Physical
• Headaches
• Chest Pain
• Stomach problems
(eg. constipation or
diarrhea)
• Rapid beating heart
• Change in blood pressure
• Grinding/clenched teeth
• Fatigue
• Drop in sexual interest
• Increased angry blow-ups
• Frustration
• Difficulty controlling
emotions
• Impatient
• Low self-esteem
• Depressed
• Suicidal thoughts
• Overeating/neglect diet
• increased smoking/
drinking
• Change in sleeping habits
(Insomnia, early waking,
over-sleeping)
• Difficulty relaxing
• Restlessness/lack of
concentration
• Withdrawn from others
• Trouble adapting to
changing circumstances
• Forgetfulness
• Procrastination
• Short tempered
• Sarcastic arguments
• Inpulsive buying
• Gambling
Behavioural
Emotional
Heart disease
High blood pressure
Abnormal heart beats
Mental health disorders, like depression and anxiety
Obesity
Menstrual problems
Acne and other skin problems
Bowel disease
Weakening of Immune system
