Farmers put in an enormous amount of effort providing for their family and keeping the farm or business going, which can be intensely stressful. Long working hours, unpredictable weather and climate, financial strain and isolation can contribute to a spiral downwards in mental health.

Chronic stress is a major health problem for farmers, fishers and forresters and should not go on being ignored. Its important to contact your doctor who can set you on a path to stress management and healing.

Topics addressed are:

• Recognising stress
• Symptoms of stress
• Causes of stress for rural families
• Effects of stress on rural families
• Stress and family members
• Farming families – coping with stress
• Where to get help

To get the contacts and email addresses of organisations that can help, make sure you scroll down to the end of the web page.