Managing Stressful Times

• stress
• anxiety
• depression
• suicide
• emotional or psychiatric crises

• We won't judge you
• We have ideas and resources for handling stress, anxiety and depression
• We can help identify additional options for dealing with your specific situation
• We have experts trained to help you if you or someone you know is thinking of suicide or experiencing emotional or psychiatric crises
• We treat all calls as confidential
• We can put you in touch with services in your own community. There is a range of mental health services available cross Alberta covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance.

Warning Signs of Stress

Physical

• increased heart rate
• rapid breathing
• tense muscles
• increased blood pressure
• sleep and appetite problems

• irritability
• anger, yelling and losing one's temper
• lack of concentration
• feeling 'jumpy' and anxious

• insomnia
• stomach ulcers
• high blood pressure
• back pain and headaches
• heart disease
• depression and suicide

• Share the situation openly and honestly with family members. Ignoring problems and hiding feelings can hurt your family.
• Many ranchers and farmers find it extremely frustrating that hard work does not always lead to success. You are not alone. Help your neighbours and let them help you.
• You might be feeling "What did I do to deserve this?" Accept that some things can't be changed. Learn to distinguish between things you can and cannot control.

• Keep a structure to your day. Set priorities and plan to accomplish small goals.
• Eat right, exercise and try to get enough sleep even if that means taking a nap if you find you cannot sleep at night.
• For some people, keeping busy is important. Cut down on the demands, set priorities and plan to accomplish small goals. Keep a structure to your day.

You may find yourself needing extra help. Prolonged and/or unresolved stress can lead to depression. Depression is easily treated. The sooner you reach out, the sooner you will feel better. Consider...

• Do I have family or friends who I can trust and talk to for support?
• Can my spiritual advisor/organization offer assistance?
• Can I talk to my doctor for assistance or referral for services?
• Are there other agencies in my community that can help? (Check your telephone book.)

1-877-303-2642
(Toll-free from anywhere in Alberta)

• Confidential
• Serving communities across Alberta
• Available 24 hours daily, seven days per week
• Access to mental health professionals
• Crisis intervention
• Callers can choose to be anonymous
• Available to individuals, family members, concerned others and community agencies dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, suicide and other emotional or psychiatric crises

It is a sign of strength to ask for help if you need it.

Remember, there are many resources in Alberta that you can reach to for help.

Alberta Farm Safety Program
Email: farm.safety@gov.ab.ca
or toll-free: 310-FARM (3276)

Alberta Agriculture and Forestry Farm Safety Staff:
Janice Donkers, Youth Coordinator: janice.donkers@gov.ab.ca
Kenda Lubeck, Awareness Coordinator: kenda.lubeck@gov.ab.ca
Raelyn Peterson, Coordinator: raelyn.d.peterson@gov.ab.ca
Sharon Stollery, Manager: sharon.stollery@gov.ab.ca
Blair Takahashi, Specialist: blair.takahashi@gov.ab.ca