FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, July 20, 1993

Contacts: Roger Williams, (608) 263-4432
          Tim Jergenson, (715) 485-3136
University of Wisconsin-Extension



  OBSERVANT FRIENDS, FAMILY CAN HELP FLOOD VICTIMS HANDLE STRESS



     MADISON - Uncooperative weather last winter and record floods
this summer have created near disaster for many Wisconsin farmers
and river residents. Tough times often lead to stress and
depression.
     But it doesn't take a trained social worker or therapist to
spot potential problems and offer to help friends who are facing
family stress.
     "As a neighbor, a friend, a family member, a clergy person,
a milk hauler or a veterinarian, you may be the first person to
notice symptoms of depression in farmers or family members facing
problems caused by flooding," said Roger Williams, University of
Wisconsin-Madison/Extension professor and chair of health
and human issues.
     Jeanne Meier, coordinator of the Farmers Assistance Program,
said her organization's hotline has received more than 3,500 phone
calls since January -- most related to losses caused by unusual
weather conditions. More than 100 calls in the past two weeks have
been directly related to the floods.
     Williams said people who don't interact with a family every
day often are the first to notice changes that could indicate
serious depression. Among the warning signs are:
     -- Changes in routines, especially isolation from the
community. Farm family members may drop out of social activities
or stay away from church or school groups.
     -- Increased farm accidents, caused by stress-related fatigue
or failure to take adequate precautions.
     -- Increased illness, including a persistent cough or upper
respiratory infection.
     -- Neglect or abuse of livestock.
     -- General decline in the appearance of the home or farm.
     -- Children who begin to show behavioral problems.
     Tim Jergenson, Polk County UW-Extension agricultural adviser,
and home economist Connie Sheffield work with a group of community
leaders on providing help for farm families facing stress.
     "A farm crisis has a ripple effect. Every dollar received by
a farmer turns over 2.6 times in our local community," Jergenson
said.
     "That means we're all affected by farmers facing stress --
businesses, schools, churches. We have to develop a stronger sense
of community if we want to deal with these issues."
     Jergson said one way to approach a farmer or farm family
facing stress is by creating a non-threatening situation in which
a farmer feels comfortable talking -- often called peer listening.
     "You might ask a simple question, but listen to their response
and follow up on it," he said.
     "People may be at different stages of stress when they open
up. It's human nature to internalize tough emotional situations,
but you can help them get it off their chests by listening and
responding."
     Williams added that if a person is depressed or suicidal, you
should be aware of social service agencies in your community and
make a referral or encourage people to seek the help they need.
     The Farmers Assistance Program hotline is (800) 942-2474. For
more information on emergency loans for losses to buildings,
livestock, equipment or supplies, call the Farmers Home
Administration in your county or (715) 345-7600.
     For information on issues related to food safety, water
quality, animal health, call  your county UW-Extension office.
                                 ###