Farming runs deep in who we are. It’s not just what we do – it’s how we measure our days, our years and often our worth. There are moments of pride that few other professions will ever know: watching a crop come up after weeks of uncertainty, finishing harvest just ahead of the weather or seeing your loads of potatoes, wheat or alfalfa headed to the buyer. But alongside those victories comes a quieter truth that many farmers carry alone – constant pressure.
Unpredictable weather, volatile markets, rising input costs, equipment breakdowns and long hours strain even the strongest souls. Day after day, season after season, the weight adds up. Stress becomes part of the job description. Some stress is unavoidable, and yes, even normal. But when stress begins to call the shots – when it steals sleep, joy, patience or hope – it stops being something we manage and becomes something that manages us.
Most of us have said, “I’m stressed.” Feeling stressed doesn’t mean you’re weak – it means you’re human. Stress itself isn’t the enemy. The danger comes when we ignore it, minimize it or unwittingly let it consume our self-worth and drive.
What is stress, really?
We tend to treat stress as one big bucket – good or bad – but that oversimplification makes it harder to deal with. Not all stress is created equal. Dr. Bruce S. McEwen describes stress in three forms: good, tolerable and toxic. Knowing the difference can be life-changing.
Good stress is short term and purposeful. It’s the nervous anticipation before harvest, the pressure of getting everything done before a deadline or the energy that pushes us to finish a long day. This kind of stress sharpens focus and drives action. When the job is done, the stress fades.
Tolerable stress shows up when something goes wrong. Maybe a piece of equipment breaks down, a storm rolls in or plans fall apart. These moments are stressful – but manageable – because you have experience, support and a plan in place. As Benjamin Franklin famously said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Preparation turns a crisis into a challenge to overcome.
Toxic stress, however, is different – and dangerous. Toxic stress happens when hardships pile up, and it seems there’s no relief, no support and no time to recover. It’s waking up every day with the same knot in your stomach. It’s carrying worries that never let up. Over time, toxic stress robs sleep, strains relationships, fuels anxiety and depression, and can lead to substance abuse or even thoughts of suicide. There isn’t a magic wand to wave and make this kind of stress disappear – and ignoring it only allows it to grow.
Why stress feels so personal
Stress looks different for everyone. What overwhelms one person might barely register for another. That’s why understanding your stress matters. Once you can name what kind of stress you’re dealing with, you can start recognizing patterns and triggers – and that knowledge gives you power.
When you understand what’s setting off your stress, you can begin building the tools and supports needed to handle it. Stress loses its grip when you stop letting it operate in the background and start addressing it head-on.
Take control by being prepared
Think about this for a moment: If someone asked what to do if you caught on fire, you wouldn’t hesitate. You’d say, “Stop, drop and roll.” That response is automatic and simple – we’ve been taught it, practiced it and understand it.
Stress deserves the same kind of clear, practiced plan.
Stop
Pause. Breathe. Take care of yourself. Under heavy stress, judgment suffers, emotions run high, and small problems can spiral quickly. Stopping doesn’t mean quitting – it means giving yourself space to think clearly. A step back can enable us to declutter our minds and formulate a better path forward.
Drop
Drop by someone you trust – family, friends, neighbors or even the local diner. Find your people. Toxic stress can lead us to form a shell of isolation around us. This feeds stress. Connection with your people weakens it. Drop the facade. We aren’t always “doing fine.” External support isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.
Roll
Keep moving forward using tools that steady you – exercise, meditation, prayer, journaling or positive self-talk. These tools help you stay grounded and moving in the direction you choose, instead of being dragged along by stress.
When stress turns toxic – act now
If you’re experiencing toxic stress, please do not wait. Reach out. Talk to someone you trust. Call the Crisis Lifeline at 988 or the Farm Aid Hotline at 1‑800‑FARM‑AID (1‑800‑327‑6243). Know the resources in your community and use them. Asking for help is not failure – it’s strength.
Taking control of stress is about preparation, awareness and support. A solid stop, drop and roll plan can keep stress manageable – and protect your health, your family, your farm and your future.
For more information, check out these resources:
- University of Idaho Farm Stress Management
- Western Region Agricultural Stress Assistance Program (WRASAP)
- Idaho State Department of Agriculture Farm and Ranch Center
Lance Hansen, Tasha Howard, Kathee Tifft, David Callister, Selena Davila and Klae O’Brien (University of Idaho Extension Farm Stress Management Team) assisted with this report.
