{"id":773,"date":"2024-06-10T03:54:00","date_gmt":"2024-06-10T07:54:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/thriving\/?p=773"},"modified":"2024-06-09T11:55:24","modified_gmt":"2024-06-09T15:55:24","slug":"youre-not-the-only-one","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/thriving\/2024\/06\/youre-not-the-only-one\/","title":{"rendered":"You’re Not the Only One"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Farmer with arm around a younger farmer and watching the sunset over the field together.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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For the past month or so I\u2019ve had the opportunity to interview a number of producers about farm stress. I\u2019ve asked them what they have seen and experienced, and what they think farmers need to know regarding stress and stress management.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Overwhelmingly, I\u2019ve heard the same message. Over and over again, they tell me \u201cFarmers need to know they are not the only ones going through a stressful time. They are not alone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The farmers I interviewed talked a lot about the stress of farming and the shame that comes with feeling overwhelmed on the farm. High costs, no labor, low commodity prices, family stresses\u2014it can all make a you feel worried, anxious, and depressed. Worse, it can feel like somehow, you\u2019re a failure or to blame. And like you\u2019re the only one feeling like this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The farmers I talked with kept saying things like \u201cProducers need to know that lots<\/em> of farmers are feeling overwhelmed right now\u2014it\u2019s nothing to be ashamed of.\u201d  They wanted other farmers to know that it\u2019s ok to not be ok, and that they are not alone. Overwhelmingly, I heard \u201cFarmers need to know they\u2019re not alone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, I am passing along this message from other farmers who are walking the same path and dealing with the same stresses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n