Unfavourable weather conditions, equipment breakdowns and unpredictable financial issues can trigger stress during the farming season.

With all these factors pressing on the shoulders of farmers, Janet Smith, program manager at the Manitoba Farm, Rural and Northern Support Services, advises farmers to seek help when stress becomes unbearable.

“Stress is something that impacts all of us at various times in our life, and not all stress is bad. Stress can get us through these really busy times and get us through many challenges. However, when stress goes on a long time and is not resolved, it can tip the balance into what we call distress,” said Smith.

Some indicators of stress include changes in character linked to anxiety, depression, anger, mood swings, physical health, behaviour and cognitive processes, and when stress becomes too much, Smith said it is beneficial to seek outside support.

The Manitoba Farm, Rural and Northern Support Services, which is based in Brandon, offers assistance from councillors with farming backgrounds, whether the issue involves personal, financial, family or production matters. The services can be accessed online or through text message.