Stress Symptoms in Men
Stress is the emotion that lets us know when the pressure exerted on us is greater than we are able to manage with the resources we have available. It’s one of the main threat based emotions which often triggers us into working harder so that we push through. If this becomes the norm rather than the exception it can lead to burnout.
In modern day, stress is a common emotion that people feel. It’s linked to the release of cortisol which give us a sense of pressure or strain that prompts us to look for ways to reduce the amount we have to deal with.
Stress is linked to our workloads too many long days in the office, with too much work to get through. It’s also linked to our high competitiveness in these settings and the need to do more than the next person. It’s also closely linked with anxiety because of the dangers that might result if we don’t get things done.
We can also find stressors in other areas of our lives including from things like bullying, what’s happening on social media, paying rents and meeting the bills, the pressure to provide for ourselves and our families, the kids going to university, family illness, relationships deteriorating, divorce, losing everything you worked so hard for……...the list goes on and on.
The problem is we only have so much to go around. If we are already full to capacity any additional and unexpected stressors can mean that we are unable to cope. Pushing through might not work at which point we have to take a step back or redistribute our resources.
The list of signs of stress in men is long; stress is incredibly unhealthy for us in the long run.
In modern day, stress is a common emotion that people feel. It’s linked to the release of cortisol which give us a sense of pressure or strain that prompts us to look for ways to reduce the amount we have to deal with.
Stress is linked to our workloads too many long days in the office, with too much work to get through. It’s also linked to our high competitiveness in these settings and the need to do more than the next person. It’s also closely linked with anxiety because of the dangers that might result if we don’t get things done.
We can also find stressors in other areas of our lives including from things like bullying, what’s happening on social media, paying rents and meeting the bills, the pressure to provide for ourselves and our families, the kids going to university, family illness, relationships deteriorating, divorce, losing everything you worked so hard for……...the list goes on and on.
The problem is we only have so much to go around. If we are already full to capacity any additional and unexpected stressors can mean that we are unable to cope. Pushing through might not work at which point we have to take a step back or redistribute our resources.
The list of signs of stress in men is long; stress is incredibly unhealthy for us in the long run.
- Chest pain
- Pounding heart
- High blood pressure
- Moodiness, irritability, or anger
- Muscle aches, such as back and neck pain
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Frequent colds and infections
- Clenched jaws and grinding teeth
- Tightness, dryness or a feeling of a having lump in your throat
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- Indigestion
- Increased perspiration
- Feelings of insecurity
- Insomnia
- Worry
- Withdrawal
- Isolation
- Restlessness
- Decreased productivity
- Increased smoking
- Increased use of alcohol and drugs
- Job dissatisfaction
- Changes in close relationships
- Stomach cramps
- Weight gain or loss
- Diminished or increased sex drive
- Sadness
- Crying
- Depression
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Skin problems like acne
How to Deal with Stress in Men
The first step is to decide to do something to reduce stress instead of continuing to push ourselves.
Here’s a list of things which can help to destress:
"Remember that stress doesn't come from what's going on in your life. It comes from your thoughts about what's going on in your life." Andrew J. Bernstein
Here’s a list of things which can help to destress:
- Deal with the problems that cause the stress. Talk to people to find solutions together. Ask for help if things get too much.
- Take time away from the stressors and do something that brings you a sense of enjoyment, pleasure or peace and calm.
- Make time to exercise. Get rid of that built-up tension! If you’re very unfit, simply start by walking more. Walk to work, take the stairs instead of the elevator, walk the dog.
- Get enough sleep. The body restores itself while sleeping and quality sleep is essential in staying healthy. Staying awake at night trying to solve problems is often counterproductive and should be an exception.
- Choose healthy food and drinks.
- Try to meditate daily. Just sit quietly, relax, breathe. Let your mind slow down. Meditation can help us to detach from the problems which can give us that much needed down time.
- Avoid situations that make you feel stressed, for example, if you stress frequently to get somewhere on time, start preparing yourself better. Get organised!
- Don’t sweat the small stuff. Smile when things don’t go your way, instead of getting into a frenzy.
- Change your perspective of things that usually cause stress. For example, many men get highly stressed in traffic. Use that time to play your favourite music, sing or listen to a podcast. Choose to use that time in a positive way rather than getting wound up about it.
- It’s okay to say “no”. You’re keeping yourself healthy and that should be your main objective.
- Treat yourself to something nice and relaxing regularly.
- Realise that life is short, why make it shorter and less enjoyable by being stressed-out all the time.
"Remember that stress doesn't come from what's going on in your life. It comes from your thoughts about what's going on in your life." Andrew J. Bernstein
Why do Men Withdraw when Stressed?
As men we have a tendency to want to sort out his problems out ourselves. This can lead to us focusing more on the problems at the expense of other things in our lives. This can have an impact on those closest to us as we are less able to give them the time and attention they like or deserve. When we experience extreme stress, our whole focus goes towards the problems as we see them and there is little, if any, energy left for relationships, hobbies, interests and the self.
Whilst this makes sense in terms of how we have come to see ourselves as men it can lead us to feel alone and isolated. We might even be angered by others for asking for our time when we have so many things to have to deal with.
We need to remember that asking for help is actually a strength not a weakness. The most successful people in life are those who realise they can’t do everything and neither should they expect this of themselves. Be open to drawing on others to help out if they can. We are much stronger when we work together.
Whilst this makes sense in terms of how we have come to see ourselves as men it can lead us to feel alone and isolated. We might even be angered by others for asking for our time when we have so many things to have to deal with.
We need to remember that asking for help is actually a strength not a weakness. The most successful people in life are those who realise they can’t do everything and neither should they expect this of themselves. Be open to drawing on others to help out if they can. We are much stronger when we work together.