Good stress

"I'm excited about being on farm today. I love what I do."

Good stress occurs when the gap between what one has and what one wants is slightly pushed, but not overwhelmed. The goal is not too far out of reach but is still slightly more than one can handle. This fosters challenge and motivation since the goal is in sight.

e.g. You are facing a wet and challenging spring. You are needing to make some critical decisions.  Working through the options and each scenario is encouraging, and makes you feel like the end is in sight. This motivates you to carry on and get to the solution.

Excessive stress

"I don't really want to deal with the farm. I'm dreading what it will throw my way today."

Excessive stress is stress which causes more negative thoughts and feelings than positive challenge and motivation.

e.g. In bed at night there are so many things going over and over in your head; the round length is too short, the cows are losing weight, we have a herd test next week, the calves need drenching. Everything piles on top of each other and you start to get a feeling of helplessness, like it’s getting out of control. Despite this, you carry on each day.

Burnout

"I don't feel like I can cope with the farm today, but I know I have to."

Burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by prolonged excessive stress.

e.g. You have been under financial stress for such a long time that you just don’t have any energy left to deal with the issues, but you plod along and do the best you can.

• Ten signs of illness and burnout to look out for

  Look out for these both in yourself and in your team...

  Be especially aware if you notice a number of these happening at once.

  1. Continually tired and run down
  2. Often sick with colds, flus or tummy bugs
  3. Constantly irritable
  4. Quick and noticeable weight loss or weight gain
  5. Dependent on caffeine to get through the day (more than four caffeine drinks every day)
  6. Frequent arguing with friends, family and work colleagues
  7. Making self-degrading comments (e.g. I’m useless, I’m going nowhere, I can’t do anything right)
  8. Sudden change in mood, personality or behaviour which lasts for several weeks
  9. Lack of appetite
  10. Prolonged disinterest in jobs or things which once created engagement and satisfaction.

• If you think someone is on their way to burnout or depression

  • Be on their side - let them talk!
  • Show understanding and sympathy
  • Don’t judge them
  • Avoid offering advice
  • Avoid making comparisons
  • Don’t try to minimise their pain or act like it’s not a big deal

• If you're worried someone may already be depressed

  Encourage them to speaker to their health practitioner

  Encourage them to talk to someone about it - these numbers are good:

  Rural Support Trust - 0800 787 254
  Depression helpline - 0800 111 757

• If you are worried someone is suicidal

  Get professional help. Do everything you can to get a suicidal person the help her or she needs. Call a crisis line for advice and referrals. Encourage the person to see a mental health professional, help locate a treatment facility, or take them to a doctor’s appointment.

  These are the numbers to call:

  Samaritans - 0800 726 666
  Lifeline - 0800 543 354

Mental illness

"I can't think straight. I don't know where to begin with running this farm. I just want to stay in bed."

A mental or bodily condition marked by disorganization of personality, mind, and emotions to seriously impair normal functioning of the individual.

Any of us can end up in this situation if we get too overwhelmed. It’s important to get help though if you feel you’ve found yourself at this place. Help can come in many forms.

The Mental Health Foundation and Ministry of Health are the experts on this subject and have some great advice and lots of resources to help those in need. But if you feel you want to talk to someone right away, call Lifeline – 0800 543 354, or the Rural Support Trust – 0800 787 254.

• Ten signs of illness and burnout to look out for

  Look out for these both in yourself and in your team...

  Be especially aware if you notice a number of these happening at once.

  1. Continually tired and run down
  2. Often sick with colds, flus or tummy bugs
  3. Constantly irritable
  4. Quick and noticeable weight loss or weight gain
  5. Dependent on caffeine to get through the day (more than four caffeine drinks every day)
  6. Frequent arguing with friends, family and work colleagues
  7. Making self-degrading comments (e.g. I’m useless, I’m going nowhere, I can’t do anything right)
  8. Sudden change in mood, personality or behaviour which lasts for several weeks
  9. Lack of appetite
  10. Prolonged disinterest in jobs or things which once created engagement and satisfaction.

• If you think someone is on their way to burnout or depression

  • Be on their side - let them talk!
  • Show understanding and sympathy
  • Don’t judge them
  • Avoid offering advice
  • Avoid making comparisons
  • Don’t try to minimise their pain or act like it’s not a big deal

• If you're worried someone may already be depressed

  Encourage them to speaker to their health practitioner

  Encourage them to talk to someone about it - these numbers are good:

  Rural Support Trust - 0800 787 254
  Depression helpline - 0800 111 757

• If you are worried someone is suicidal

  Get professional help. Do everything you can to get a suicidal person the help her or she needs. Call a crisis line for advice and referrals. Encourage the person to see a mental health professional, help locate a treatment facility, or take them to a doctor’s appointment.

  These are the numbers to call:

  Samaritans - 0800 726 666
  Lifeline - 0800 543 354

Links:

Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand
Ministry of Health - Mental Health

Suicide

"I'm useless and a waste of time. I don’t want to be here anymore."

If you’re feeling like this, please contact lifeline right away  (0800 543 354), or call 111. Talking to someone is so important!  There is help! Many people have felt this way and found their way out.

• If this is an emergency phone 111 - If you feel you or someone else is at risk or harm
• Or go to your nearest hospital emergency department (ED)
• Or phone your local DHB Mental Health Crisis Team (CATT Team).

Select your DHB for contact numbers or ring Healthline 0800 611 116