The effects of stress are universal. Anyone, regardless of sexual orientation, is vulnerable to its effects. Stress and its management are two areas where men and women differ greatly.
Men and women both experience most of the same stress symptoms, but there are a few that are more common in men. The American Psychological Association reports that men are less likely than women to talk about feeling stressed out.
Women appear to be better at handling stress and less likely to develop major depressive disorders as a result of workplace pressures than men. When under pressure, men are also more likely to isolate themselves socially. Home, career, and relationship stress have been linked to feelings of ineffectiveness in the mind.
Men’s stress symptoms
Behavioral
- eating too much or too little food
- smoking and/or withdrawal from social contact
- reduced time spent on gambling
- nights spent clenching jaw or gnashing teeth
- obsessive-compulsive patterns of either excessive or insufficient slumber
Psychological
- sadness or depression
- anxiety
- anger
- loss of interest in sex
- restlessness
- Irritability
Physical
- headache
- constipation
- rapid heart rate
- diarrhea
- upset stomach
- neck, back, or chest pain
- muscle tension
- fatigue
- trouble achieving or maintaining an erection
- heartburn
- difficulty concentrating
Evaluation of stress
Several methods can measure stress. Medical interviews are commonly used to identify stress and its effects, while questionnaires can be useful. Your doctor will likely ask you about the stressful events and conditions in your life before your symptoms began in order to get a sense of how much stress you’re under and whether or not stress is to blame. In order to rule out more serious conditions, your doctor may suggest that you undergo a series of medical tests.
Men’s health and the effects of stress
It’s a well-known fact that stress may make you sick. According to the findings of a national study conducted in the United States, stress may play a role in anywhere from 60 to 80 percent of all trips to the doctor. Additionally, there is evidence that links stress to an increased risk of disease, including cardiovascular disease and some malignancies.
The following is a list of stress-related complications and how those complications affect men’s health.
Infertility in men
The risk of infertility rises because of chronic stress’s impact on testosterone levels, sperm production, and sperm quality.
Chronic pain
Stress might make you more sensitive to pain. The result is muscle tension and the accompanying potential for chronic discomfort in the back, neck, and shoulders. Stress can also cause migraines and headaches. The stress and worry that come with dealing with chronic pain just add fuel to the fire.
Infections and colds
Chronic stress lowers resistance to illness by disrupting the body’s immunological and inflammatory responses.
Erectile dysfunction
Men of any age are susceptible to developing erectile dysfunction (ED) due to stress. The most common cause of ED in middle-aged men is stress related to work, family, or other relationships. Stress weakens erection-inducing signals from the brain to the penis.
Prostate cancer
In response to stress, your body activates the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), which controls your “fight or flight” reaction. The parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) is responsible for the body’s relaxation response. In prostate cancer, both are involved.
In response to stress, your sympathetic nervous system (SNS) releases noradrenaline, which has been linked to a cancer-promoting response. A second chemical that nerve fibers in the peripheral nervous system release aids cancer cells in their ability to multiply and spread.
Stress treatment
Taking control of your stress can help alleviate symptoms and reduce your vulnerability to health problems caused by stress. Thankfully, there are various methods available for dealing with stress. Some ideas are as follows:
1. Get some help. Talk it over with a trusted advisor, friend, or family member. The stress of dealing with difficulties alone can be reduced by sharing them with someone else.
2. Reducing stress is essential. If you’re feeling stressed out, reduce your workload and other responsibilities so you can take some time off to decompress.
3. Join in on social activities. When under stress, men are more likely to withdraw socially and isolate themselves, which can have a negative impact on their mental health. If you need a distraction from your troubles, socialize with other people.
4. Get moving! Get out and about or into a gym. Anxiety and stress are reduced by working out. Better sleep is another benefit.
5. Schedule time for your favorite activities. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, it can be good to indulge in a relaxing activity like reading a book or watching a movie.
The signs and symptoms of stress in men can range from minor to severe, and they have the potential to get in the way of day-to-day activities. Self-care at home can be used to manage stress, but if you find that you need additional assistance or are concerned about your symptoms, you should consult a medical professional.