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Support and communicate with one another. Some roles and responsibilities may need to be changed until the crisis is over. Be flexible and willing to try new things. Studies show that families who meet challenges head-on are the most likely to successfully cope with crises. In order to better cope with stress, keep your body healthy.
Eat balanced meals, get enough sleep and exercise regularly. One approach to coping with stress overload is to take a break from the stressful situation.
Here are some suggestions:. Another approach is to take action to reduce excess muscle tension by using relaxation exercises. A response to alcohol misuse in the farming community. BMC Public Health, 1 11 , pp. Nonfatal farm injuries in North Dakota: The Journal of Rural Health , 6 2 , pp. Farming and mental health problems and mental illness.
International Journal of Social Psychiatry. The epidemiology of suicide among farm residents or workers in five north-central states, A public health approach. American Journal of Preventive Medicine , 9, pp.
Retrieved April 10, from www. Government Printing Office, p. Assessment, treatment, and prevention of suicidal behavior. Final Data for , Table 19 from http: Daniels, personal e-mail communication, August 22, In Kansas the farm suicide rate was Farmers are still killing themselves. Available from W. Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA. University of Iowa Press.
Implications for rural America. Human Services in the Rural Environment, , pp.
Rural Sociology, 75 3 , Intergenerational transfer of farm land. Journal of Rural Community Psychology , 16 1 , pp. Rural economic decline and marital quality: A panel study of farm marriages. Family Relations , 39, pp. See National Mental Health Association.
Families in troubled times. Determinants of the quality of life of rural families.
Journal of Rural Health, 2 It takes two to replicate: Child Development , 66 1 , pp. Journal of Health and Social Behavior , 35, pp. A process model of family economic pressure and early adolescent alcohol use. Journal of Early Adolescence , 11, pp. Journal of Research on Adolescence, Psychological distress and help seeking in rural america. American Journal of Community Psychology.
Psychosocial consequences of agricultural transformation: The farm crisis and depression. Rural Sociology , 55 1 , pp. Mental Health and Rural America: Adjustment of farm families to economic stress: But expressing interest shows your kids that they're important to you. Help your child cope with stress by talking about what may be causing it.
Together, you can come up with a few solutions like cutting back on after-school activities, spending more time talking with parents or teachers, developing an exercise regimen, or keeping a journal. You also can help by anticipating potentially stressful situations and preparing kids for them. For example, let your son or daughter know ahead of time that a doctor's appointment is coming up and talk about what will happen there.
Managing Stress During Tough Times — A longitudinal study of the s. Separated or divorced parents should never put kids in a position of having to choose sides or expose them to negative comments about the other spouse. Ongoing intense feelings of anxiety or depression. My problem-solving skills, sense of humor, determination to take one day at a time, and my spiritual life. As providers and caretakers, adults tend to view the world of children as happy and carefree.
Tailor the information to your child's age — younger kids won't need as much advance preparation or details as older kids or teens. Remember that some level of stress is normal; let your kids know that it's OK to feel angry, scared, lonely, or anxious and that other people share those feelings. When kids can't or won't discuss their stressful issues, try talking about your own. This shows that you're willing to tackle tough topics and are available to talk with when they're ready. If a child shows symptoms that concern you and is unwilling to talk, consult a therapist or other mental health specialist.
Books can help young kids identify with characters in stressful situations and learn how they cope. Most parents have the skills to deal with their child's stress. The time to seek professional attention is when any change in behavior persists, when stress is causing serious anxiety , or when the behavior causes significant problems at school or at home. If you need help finding resources for your child, consult your doctor or the counselors and teachers at school. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. More on this topic for: