While we often discuss stress as a generalised experience, the truth is that its effects on men and women can be vastly different — both in terms of how stress is experienced and how it is managed.
Biological Differences: The Science Behind the Stress Response
The biological and hormonal differences between men and women play a significant role in shaping how stress is processed. When faced with stress, the body releases a surge of cortisol, the primary stress hormone, as well as adrenaline. However, the response to stress is not the same across genders.
For men, stress typically triggers the ‘flight or fight’ response. Men may experience heightened aggression or physical symptoms like muscle tension. This reaction is rooted in evolutionary biology, where survival instincts were tied to physical action.
Women, on the other hand, while they, too can have the ‘flight or fight’ reaction, research shows that women are more likely to experience the ‘freeze or fawn’ response. Women may be more inclined to seek social support and nurture relationships during stressful times. However, this same response can also make women more susceptible to feelings of overwhelm when they are unable to receive the social support they need.
Emotional and Psychological Differences
Emotionally, men and women also process stress differently. Men may internalise stress, often masking their feelings or channeling them into work or physical activities. This can sometimes lead to harmful behaviors like increased substance use, irritability, or withdrawal. The social pressures placed on men to be stoic and unemotional may make it harder for them to express or deal with stress in healthy ways.
Women, on the other hand, often experience stress as a result of balancing multiple roles — as professionals, caregivers, partners, and more. This can lead to a heightened sense of responsibility and guilt, especially when trying to manage the expectations placed on them. The psychological burden of juggling so many aspects of life can lead to burnout, anxiety, and depression.
Stress doesn’t just affect us emotionally; it has profound physical consequences as well. For men, prolonged stress can increase the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and digestive issues. Due to the physiological ‘flight or fight’ response, men may experience these health risks in more pronounced ways.
For women, chronic stress can contribute to hormonal imbalances, reproductive health problems, and a higher risk of autoimmune diseases. The constant juggling of demands and the emotional toll of stress can lead to conditions like insomnia, anxiety, and depression, which are often more common in women than in men.
However, for both men and women, self-care stress management techniques can make a huge positive difference resulting in a better quality of life.
Rosanna Commisso - Founder, StressCare Solutions Living with extreme long-term stress has shaped my passion for helping others find their path to stress resilience through self-care. If you need support, I’m here to help you understand the impact of stress and provide guidance on how to improve your health and quality of life.
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