Before batteries die, they get drained! Men are as vulnerable to stress as women are, but they are often less likely to recognise it or admit to it. We are socialised to believe that men must not cry, admit to stress, depression or anxiety and be strong all the time. This can often exacerbate levels or stress and prevent men from seeking help when it is needed.

We can think of stress in two ways: eustress, which can be thought of as helpful stress and distress, which can be thought of as unhelpful and damaging stress.
Men are not always good at recognising stress in them, and stress is clearly an individual experience. What one man finds stressful, another will not, and what can be stressful at one time may not cause stress during another time of your life.

Below are some of the physical signs and symptoms of stress experienced in men.

Remember that stress is an individual experience and that symptoms are too:

• Chest pain
• Pounding heart
• High blood pressure
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Diminished or increased sex drive
• Muscle aches, such as back and neck pain
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Clenched jaws and grinding teeth
• Tightness, dryness or a feeling of a having lump in your throat
• Indigestion
• Constipation or diarrhoea
• Increased perspiration
• Stomach cramps
• Weight gain or loss
• Skin problems

The psychological signs and symptoms of stress include:

• Sadness
• Depression
• Crying
• Withdrawal or isolation
• Insomnia
• Mood swings
• Worry
• Restless anxiety
• Irritability, anger or decreased anger control
• Overeating or anorexia
• Feelings of insecurity
• Decreased productivity
• Job dissatisfaction
• Changes in close relationships
• Increased smoking
• Increased use of alcohol and drugs

The language of stress is largely borrowed from engineering in which we talk of stress, strain, tolerance, resilience, breaking points, flexibility, elasticity, etc. of materials. Stress is a protector in that it gives us a mechanism for dealing with threats. We have the ability to confront threats or avoid them; the so-called "fight or flight" mechanism.

Stress can be good as well as bad. Without some stress we would not get the adrenaline up to win races, solve problems, take exams and make important changes.

Stress, particularly long-term stress, can be a factor in the onset or worsening of ill health and a shortened lifespan. Stress management is essential to wellbeing and something we should practice every day.

Contact me on 084 779 4889 to help you develop a strategy to manage stress. Visit my website on www.nadinetherapy.co.za.

Credit: verywellmind.

There are many factors in our lives that can cause stress. Things like work deadlines, financial troubles, congested traffic, and arguments can cause stress.
 
Stress is a natural reaction. Stress can become a problem when these pressures become overwhelming, and in some cases, can be a precursor to anxiety disorders and depression.
 
Thankfully, stress is very manageable, and a little stress can even help you perform better. There are many ways to deal with stress, and simple techniques practiced frequently can really help.
 
The body deals with acute stress by releasing chemicals that tell the body that it is in danger, and therefore activates the flight or fight response. This response is a survival mechanism that prepares the body to face danger. Changes seen during this response include increased heart rate, rapid breathing, dry mouth and sweating. Long term exposure to stress, and the exposure of the body to high levels of hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, can lead to increased vulnerability to illnesses, such as depression, obesity, heart disease, among others, and is not a healthy state to be in.
 
The symptoms of stress can vary between different individuals. The most common symptoms are:

• Sleep disturbances
• Muscle tension
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Shame
• Guilt
• Hopelessness
• Tiredness
• Lack of motivation
• Difficulty concentrating
• Change in eating habits
• Increased use of alcohol or other drugs
• Unhealthy eating and decreased level of exercise

 
These symptoms, in turn, affect how you deal with the events that cause stress, thereby worsening the stress.
 
You can learn to manage stress by using various techniques, such as monitoring and challenging the way you think about events, slow breathing, and solving your problems in a structured manner. In addition to this, exercising, cutting down on drug and alcohol use, and doing things you enjoy can help in coping with stress.
 
We all want to feel healthy and happy, but the reality of life is that there are good times and bad times. Everyone has ups and downs. Even though you may feel as if you are alone you are not. Many people struggle with stress daily, but things do change, and stressful times do pass.
 
You don’t have to do get through this by yourself. Help is only a phone call away. Contact me on 084 779 4889 or [email protected]. Visit my website on www.nadinetherapy.co.za.
 
Credit: thiswayup.org.au