While men and women share many of the same sources of stress, such as finances, job pressures, health, and relationship issues, men differ in that they are less likely to report when they are actually experiencing stress. Since men are less likely to seek out support, this leads to an increase in the impact that stress will have on men physically and mentally which makes it even more difficult for them to deal with life’s demands.
Due to societal pressures, men tend to withdraw and isolate more when feeling stressed. While responses to stress can vary by culture, most men were socialized into learning that talking about your feelings makes you weak or that it’s not ok to be vulnerable.
The measurement of your mental toughness does not have to be by how much pain you can handle, it can be by how willing you are to ask for help. If asking for help is such a scary thing, then your willingness to walk towards it makes you strong.
Some signs of stress that are unique to men are:
- Physical. Upset stomach, rapid heart rate, difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection, muscle tension/ache, increase in blood pressure and cholesterol
- Mood Disturbance. Increased anger and irritability, feeling on edge/hypervigilant, loss of interest in sex
- Behavioral changes. Drug or alcohol misuse, gambling, social withdrawal, lack of motivation
- Sleep disturbance. Difficulty falling or staying asleep is reported more often by men than women.
- Fertility issues. chronic stress impacts men’s testosterone levels, sperm production, and sperm quality
You don’t have to just “suck it up” and “deal with it”. It is ok for you to say that you are overwhelmed and don’t know what to do. Our counselors are more than capable to help you address your stress head on and put words to the feeling that you are experiencing.
Call or schedule an appointment online today to get your life back on track.
Helping Overworked Women
and Their Families Live a Life Without Regrets