When Stress Becomes Distress BY Scale developed by Holmes and GINGER SECRIST MYERS Rahe in the mid-60s, Bowen Adams Co. Correspondent, ..-pointed out that stress can be posi- GETTYSBURG (Adams) live or negative. You experience We’re learning how to utilize stress at happy moments, such as drought-damaged com and sorg- weddings, and at unhappy times, hum. We’re weighing the use of such as with trouble with your in altentative feedstuffs for our dairy laws. Bowen stated that stress is cows and livestock. We’re even-, caused by individual factors. If getting advise on business- someone confides they are having management techniques that may problems with a situation that help our farm businesses to sur- seems trivial to you, remember vive. But, what do we do for the- that for that person the stress may drought-stressed farmer and his be very real, family? The body’s reaction to these This question was addressed at a recent meeting of the Gettysburg area Young Farmers where the guest speaker was Dr. Ray Bowen of Psychological Associates in Gettysburg. While there are more smiles now in farm country since the rains have been falling, only last month many farm families were experiencing the emotional stress of anger and despair that comes from watching a year’s worth of work wither and die. Farming can be a stressful occupa uon. Bowne highlighted recogniz ing when stress becomes distress and ways to reduce that stress. Bowen defined psycholocial stress as, “What you have to adjust to m a given period of time.” He added that stress can be physical, mental, or both. Using a Life Stress STEEL CULVERT PIPE Used carbon steel storage tanks which we have removed the end (heads). Lifting lugs attached. No coating. These tank shells make an inexpensive, quick and strong bridge. Tank shells buried with 3 feed of ground cover can support 80,000 lbs. 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Our secondary appraisal reaction then asks us what are our resources for hand ling this situation?”, explained Bowen. Bowen continued, ‘The prob lem arises when the body and brain are constantly bombarded with perceived threatening situations, and the person loses his ability to prioritize which reaction to work on and which to leave pass. This is when stress becomes distress.” Bowen listed several danger signs that can signal when stress is becoming distress. Some of these include: general irritability, hyper excitation, or depression, grinding of the teeth, nightmares, accident proneness, decreased or increased appetite, increased smoking or use of alcohol and drugs, and the ina bility to concentrate, just to list a few. Citing research figures, Bowen noted that 70 percent of all doctor visits are due to symptoms brought on by stress. While no acute illness can be found, a diagnosis of “It’s just your nerves”, should be taken as seriously as any specific disease would be taken. Several personality types sus ceptible to stress diseases are the one-man band who tries to do too many things simultaneously; the chronic hurrier who is always under a self-imposed deadline; the exasperated person who can’t wait in line; the combative challenger who competes in everything he does and has to be number one. Many of these traits can be applied to farmers as we compare crop yields, our place on the DHIA list, or our pay price from the dairy. Several suggestions Bowen had as means for reducing stress included planning for down-time or idle time every day. Bowen stressed that this does not mean merely physically resting, but also MOIIDC* Mon.-Fri.: 8 AM - 4 PM allowing your senses to take charge so you can really “smell the roses” or “see the sunset” Another way to reduce stress is to concentrate on one task at a time so its accomplishment can be enjoyed. Bowen stressed taking the opportunity to pat yourself on the back when a job is done to your satisfaction before jumping into another task. Also, it was suggested that you interact at least once a day with someone who makes you laugh. It need not only be a person, but also could be a book, pet, or television show that you enjoy. Other sug gestions are finding time to your self, getting more exercise, and cultivating interest outside of agri culture that provide you with per sonal satisfaction. Spencer Receives UNIVERSITY PARK (Centre) Stephen B. Spencer, professor of dairy science extension, was recently named recipient of a Dis tinguished Service Award from the Pennsylvania Association of Dairy Sanitarians and Dairy Laboratory Analysis. The award was given in recognition of his extension work with milk quality. Spencer also presented a paper at the 83rd annual meeting of The American Dairy Science Associa- m.a. memiMig ammip 2388 Old Leacock Rd., Gordonville, PA 17529 CUSTOM BUILT .^^TRAILERS WOOD & COAL STOVES