Loading...
The Rural Voice, 1982-10, Page 40What is mental stress? Media has i ade everyone aware of how "stress" is affecting the health of people both physically and emotionally. At the Centralia College seminar, NEW CHAL- LENGES FOR RURAL WOMEN, in August at Huron Park, several of the workshops dealt with stress. Maria Van Bommel, an active member of the Women For The Survival of Agriculture group, led the group in defining your attitude concerning your- self, and how others see you. Participants in the group were both rural and urban and "stress" was evident in various forms, some greater than others. Loss of security whether it be job or home, placed high on a list of tension -producing factors. Maria explained once you have made up your mind about what you are going to do about it, the tension eases and the stress is directed into channels that will eventually be a solution. Making up your mind to handle problems as they come along as efficiently as possible allows you to concentrate better rather than worrying about what you did yesterday or what you might do to- morrow. Yesterday is gone and can't be changed and the tomorrows are unknown Winthrop General Store Open: Monday - Friday till 9:00 p.m. Saturday tui 7:00 p.m. Grocery and Hardware Propane for vehicles and cylinders CEDAR POSTS FENCE SUPPLIES 45 Gal. Steel Barrels -Gas- DOUG & GAIL SCHROEDER 527-1247 and you can't pre -determine your respon- ses to imaginary incidents. Maria Van Bommel explained cases where constant worry over things you can't control causes physical illness and depression to the point where you feel you can't handle the situation anymore. It is important to pull yourself up short, before you let things get this far, and ask yourself "what is the worst thing that can happen if I can't work this out"? Sometimes the answer to this question is also your solution. Maria also suggested that situations or people that cause such tensions should be confronted. If the bank is a source of stress, make an appointment and make your point of view clear. There will be no misunderstanding about your reaction on either side. If other people's responses to your efforts cause stress, talk about them and see if you can't change them. Nothing goes on forever, although sometimes it seems like it, and you can always look forward to a change. The seminar, Family Relationships, led by Mary Gregg, questioned the women's role in the family and how they perceived themselves in this role. It brought surprising answers from some of the participants. Roles that had been stereo- typed for them were filled but not with much enthusiasm or satisfaction. Some mothers felt guilty for not working outside the home for added family revenue. Fran McCormick, active in the group, Focus on Women, explained that control- ling your reactions to situations that cause tension will reduce the stress. The woman in the family is not solely responsible for the emotional well-being of all family members. You can control your own reactions, but not those of others. Constantly worrying. about whether someone will get home in one piece, or whether a son or daughter will pass their exam will wear you down mentally and be of no benefit to other family members. Once you have stated your opinion on a matter, how other family members react to it is out of your hands. Some of the group members shared ways to handle situations that cause tensions, such as sharing jobs that depress or upset you. Responsibility around the home should be shared by all family members, not placed solely on one. Everyone engages in activities that are necessary but not fulfilling in an emotional sense. If the mental tension of such a situation gets too severe, drop the activity or responsibility and see if someone else will handle it better. PG. 40 THE RURAL VOICE / OCTOBER 1982 One of the group members stated that everyone expects a woman to be active in the community and the neighbourhood and it is just too exhausting when raising a young family. If you allow others to set your course of action, you will fulfil the duties grudgingly. Pick the things you emjoy and let the rest wait until you are ready for it. Collectively, some very good ideas emerged on how to make potentially stressful situations tolerable. They were: 1. Don't anticipate problems, wait until they happen and then deal with them. 2. Don't allow others to steer you into situations you wouldn't choose or activities that you feel morally black- mailed into participating in. 3. Share activities and workload with others within the family and com- munity if it affects you adversely to do it again and again. 4. Find a person or organization that shares your interests and problems so that you will have someone to talk to when you need it. Rural Women and Mental Health Better mental health for rural women is the goal of a conference to be held October 29-31, 1982 at the UAW Confer- ence Centre in Port Elgin. The conference is titled: Rural Women and Mental Health: Toward Deeper Understanding and Positive Action; and reflects the concern with the special difficulties facing rural women in today's society. The conference is sponsored by the Canadian Mental Health Association and the Part -Time and Continuing Education section of the University of Western Ontario. Conference coordinator is Betty Stephens of Owen Sound. A major conference goal is to acquaint rural women with established support systems in the community and to facilitate the development of new support systems for rural women. Eighteen different workshops will be offered during the Conference, including: developing leadership & support skills; changing self concepts : gaining self esteem; communications breakdown in partnerships and women and aging. An all-inclusive package including conference fee, five meals and two nights at the Conference Centre is available for $66.00. Conference fee only,is $20.00. Further information and registration forms may be obtained by contacting: Betty Stephens, R.R. 5, Owen Sound 519-371-4350