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A Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network Project
Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance / Southern Ag Exchange Network
The University of Georgia (UGA) is a part of the Southern Region Farm and Ranch Assistance Network (FRSAN). This effort is headed by the University of Tennessee.
The FRSAN program is designed to help farmers going through a challenging time. If you are going through a challenging time, experiencing high levels of stress, anxiety, or depression – please reach out to us! We are here to listen and connect you with resources that may be a benefit to you or your loved one. Farming is a stressful occupation, but we need you now more than ever. YOU are your most valuable asset on the farm.
KNOW THE SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Depression
Anxiety
Substance Abuce
How someone experiencing depression can affect the way a person thinks, feels, behaves, and appears.
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Lack of interest and motivation
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Avoidance
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Self-criticism
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Sudden mood swings
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Inability to concentrate
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A negative outlook on life
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Withdrawing from friends and family
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Change in eating habits
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Exhaustion and extreme fatigue
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Thoughts of suicide
Not every person who is experiencing depression has all the symptoms. People differ in the number and severity of symptoms. Not all symptoms are listed here.
Source: Mental Health First Aid USA. 2020. Mental Health First Aid USA for Adults Assisting Adults. Washington, DC: National Council for Behavioral Health.
How someone experiencing anxiety can affect the way a person thinks, feels, behaves, and appears.
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Mind racing or going blank
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Excessive worry
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The feeling of restlessness or on-edge
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Easily fatigued
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Difficulty concentrating
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Troubles with sleep
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Irritability
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Impatience
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Avoidance of situations
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Restlessness or tension
Not every person who is experiencing anxiety has all the symptoms. People differ in the number and severity of symptoms. Not all symptoms are listed here.
Source: Mental Health First Aid USA. 2020. Mental Health First Aid USA for Adults Assisting Adults. Washington, DC: National Council for Behavioral Health.
How someone with a substance use disorder can affect the way a person thinks, feels, behaves, and appears.
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Inability to sleep
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Unusual smells on breath, body, and clothes
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Extreme hyperactivity
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Change in attitude and behavior
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Change in temper
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Excessive need for privacy
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Secretive or suspicious behavior
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Mood swings
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Constantly thinking about the substance
Not every person who is experiencing substance abuse has all the symptoms. People differ in the number and severity of symptoms. Not all symptoms are listed here.
Source: Mental Health First Aid USA. 2020. Mental Health First Aid USA for Adults Assisting Adults. Washington, DC: National Council for Behavioral Health.
Non-suicidal self-injury
How a person who engages in non-suicidal self-injury may think, feel, behave, and appear.
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Thinking there is no way out of a bad situation
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Feeling depressed or desperate
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Cutting, scratching, or pinching skin enough to cause to bleed or leave a mark
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Carving words or patterns into skin
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Burning skin with cigarettes, matches, hot water, or other heating tools
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Looking up on websites 'How to self injure'
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Feeling the need to relieve stress, pressure, or tension
Not every person who is experiencing non-suicidal self-injury has all the symptoms. People differ in the number and severity of symptoms. Not all symptoms are listed here.
Source: Mental Health First Aid USA. 2020. Mental Health First Aid USA for Adults Assisting Adults. Washington, DC: National Council for Behavioral Health.
Suicidal
How someone thinking about, considering, or planning suicide thinks, feels, behaves, and appears.
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Feeling of hopelessness
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Actions of isolation and withdraw
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Saying goodbyes
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Feeling like there is no reason to live
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The belief there is no way out
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Threatening to hurt or kill themselves
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Giving away possessions
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Rager or anger
Not every person who is considering suicide has all the symptoms. People differ in the number and severity of symptoms. Not all symptoms are listed here.
Source: Mental Health First Aid USA. 2020. Mental Health First Aid USA for Adults Assisting Adults. Washington, DC: National Council for Behavioral Health.
Helping farmers and families thrive
Rural life is often portrayed as an idyllic throwback to simpler times, where communities and neighbors come together in times of crisis and hardship. While the characterization of the tight-knit small town may ring true in many cases, rural communities still face all of the same modern-day challenges and adversities as their urban counterparts. When they do, they are often isolated by distance from resources and services tailored to aid their unique needs when they are faced with health, financial or other stressful matters.
At the University of Georgia, we are committed to helping the rural communities in Georgia and the producers, farmers and citizens who are the backbone of their communities. We are also happy to support the state's rural economy by investing in Georgia’s No. 1 industry, agriculture.