Signs and Symptoms of Stress in Men

Signs and Symptoms of Stress in Men Stress Management Print How Recognize the Stress Symptoms in Men By Jerry Kennard Jerry Kennard, PhD, is a psychologist and associate fellow of the British Psychological Society. Learn about our editorial policy Jerry Kennard Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD on November 23, 2019 twitter linkedin Daniel B. Block, MD, is an award-winning, board-certified psychiatrist who operates a private practice in Pennsylvania. Learn about our Medical Review Board Daniel B. Block, MD Updated on February 05, 2020 How Stress Impacts Your Health Overview Signs of Burnout Stress and Weight Gain Benefits of Exercise Stress Reduction Tips Self-Care Practices Mindful Living Robert Daly/Caiaimage/Getty Images When the pressures around a person outstrip their ability to cope with them, we call this stress. What we really mean is distress, because there are two kinds of stress: eustress, or helpful stress, and distress, which is unhelpful and damaging stress. Without some stress, we would not have the motivation to win races, solve problems, take exams and make important changes. Stress is a protector in that it gives us a mechanism for dealing with threats. It prompts us to confront threats or avoid themâ€"the so-called fight or flight mechanism. But stress, particularly long-term stress, can be a factor in the onset or worsening of ill health and a shortened lifespan.?? Men may not always good at recognizing stress in themselves, and stress is clearly an individual experience. What one man finds stressful, another will not. What can be stressful at one time may not cause stress during another time. And the signs and symptoms of stress can also vary from person to person and from year to year. Measuring Stress in Men Stress can be measured in different ways, but testing usually takes the form of a self-report in which a person rates particular experiences, events, or feelings on a defined scale. Perhaps the most well known of these is the SRRS (Social Readjustment Ratings Scale), developed in 1967 by the American psychiatrists Thomas H. Holmes and Richard Rahe.?? The SRRS lists a number of life events assumed to be stressful, such as moving or the death of a spouse or other close loved one. Holmes and Rahe assigned a numerical value to each of these events based on the intensity of the stress. The death of a spouse, for example, was rated the most stressful, at 100, whereas a minor violation of the law was assigned a value of 11. What Stress in Men Looks Like Broadly speaking, stress can be experienced in two ways, physically and psychologically, but the two are interrelated. For example, research has shown that chronic stress can lead to decreased immune function.?? This included an increased risk of infection and decreased ability to fight infection or repair tissue. One study found that stress not only slowed wound healing, it often also led to behaviors that slowed recovery from injury or surgery such as heavy alcohol use or poor self-care.?? Physical Symptoms Remember that stress is an individual experience and that symptoms are too. Signs of disease should not be ignored just because you believe they are stress-related. Get serious  symptoms checked by your doctor. Some potential effects of stress include:?? Chest painPounding heartHigh blood pressureShortness of breathFatigueDiminished or increased sex driveMuscle aches, such as back and neck painHeadachesDizzinessClenched jaws and  grinding teethTightness, dryness or a feeling of a having lump in your throatIndigestionConstipation or diarrheaIncreased perspirationStomach crampsWeight gain  or lossSkin problems Psychological Symptoms If these effects of stress are interfering with your daily life, consult your doctor for advice on how to find relief. Stress management is essential to well-being and something we should practice every day. SadnessDepression??CryingWithdrawal or isolationInsomniaMood swingsWorryRestless anxietyIrritability, anger or decreased anger controlOvereating or anorexiaFeelings of insecurityDecreased productivityJob dissatisfactionChanges in close relationshipsIncreased smokingIncreased use of alcohol and drugs 17 Highly Effective Stress Relievers