Stress in men: symptoms, causes and consequences - This is interesting

All people experience stress, regardless of gender. Both women and men face situations in their lives that are not so easy to resolve. If stress in women can be noticed by a number of signs, then in men it is especially difficult. It’s all about the canons of the modern world: if a man shows weakness, he will be recognized as a weakling, which is why very often the strong half of the world’s population prefers to hide their condition and not complain again. The only huge disadvantage of this behavior is that in the end the man spoils his quality of life.

Signs of male stress

Let's consider the main signs of stress in men or what will help to understand their condition and behavior:

Behavioral symptoms. When a man is stressed, his behavior changes noticeably, aggression occurs, causeless worry over trifles, constant obsessive fears, any action causes irritation. Some people stop communicating with friends and change a lot.

Sleep problems. Under the influence of stress, a person sleeps poorly, wakes up at night and cannot fall asleep, or constantly wants to sleep. It is not uncommon for men to replace sleep with computer games or get-togethers with friends, but these activities do not solve the problem.

Significantly low energy potential. A constant feeling of fatigue prevents you from living and working normally, which can result in depression and a number of mental disorders.

Low self-esteem. A man does not respect himself as a person and may even begin to hate, the reasons for this are usually in his social life, for example, he cannot find a job, does not fulfill a plan, it is impossible to improve his personal life.

Stress for a man can cause the following unpleasant symptoms:

Increased sweating;
Digestive problems;
Muscle spasms;
Cardiovascular diseases;
High blood pressure.

Cases of kidney failure, sexual problems, and skin diseases are not uncommon. In other words, stress for a man is a rather dangerous problem that needs to be treated.

Stress in men: symptoms, causes and consequences (8 photos)

Every person experiences stressful situations from time to time. And everyone has their own ways of dealing with them. During the evolutionary process, living organisms have developed special methods to cope with overexertion. Humans also have such mechanisms. Psychological overloads become a problem when an individual is unable to resist them. The article will talk about stress in men, symptoms, causes, methods of dealing with this condition. Features of the phenomenon

Representatives of the stronger sex often experience psychological stress.
Problems with colleagues and management, financial difficulties, conflicts with a spouse, parents and children can throw anyone off balance. And if there are too many unpleasant situations, disruptions occur in the body, as a result of which physical and mental pathologies develop. Symptoms of stress in men are not always pronounced. After all, it is believed that representatives of the stronger sex should not show their feelings. And a person is taught to hide emotions from childhood. Types of stress

This condition is not always harmful.
Psychologists say that there are two forms of stress. The first is considered positive, as it forces a person to concentrate and mobilize all his strength to perform complex activities. The second has a negative impact on health. It can be triggered by various factors (loneliness, illness, conflicts in the workplace, unfulfilled goals, family problems). At the initial stages, symptoms of stress in men are not clearly expressed. They only manifest themselves as low mood and fatigue. However, if negative factors continue to impact a person, he or she experiences changes in physical and mental health and a deterioration in sexual function. The likelihood of developing a serious mental disorder – depression – increases. Why does stress occur?

The factors that provoke psychological stress can be listed:

Health problems, hormonal imbalances (for example, as a result of improper functioning of the thyroid gland and other vital signs).
Difficulties of a psychological nature (lack of self-confidence, inability to communicate with people, feelings of loneliness, midlife crisis).
Tragic events (death of parents, spouse or child, military operations, disasters, etc.).
Career failures, lack of finances.
Divorce.
Betrayal by spouse or friends.
The birth of a child, the changes in lifestyle that this event entails.

There are many other situations that can lead to stress. A person’s reaction to these circumstances is largely determined by his psychological characteristics. Consequences
How does stress affect men?
First of all, the behavior of an individual who is exposed to negative factors changes. He may deny the presence of psychological problems. However, when under the influence of stressful situations, a person feels discomfort, fatigue, anxiety, depression and tension. To combat these symptoms, representatives of the stronger sex often use harmful and even hazardous to health methods. How does a man cope with stress? Some people in situations of psychological overstrain try to get rid of discomfort with the help of alcohol, drugs, or gambling addiction. However, such risky measures create new problems, aggravate the condition, provoke illnesses, and accidents. If a man refuses to acknowledge stress and denies it in every possible way, negative emotions accumulate, causing disturbances in the body’s functioning and deterioration of the immune system. Discomfort in the heart, weight fluctuations, discomfort in various organs, dizziness, disruptions in the functioning of the stomach and intestines - all these ailments often arise against the background of emotional overload. Fatigue

One of the symptoms of stress in men is sleep disturbance.
Some people begin to devote more time to rest because they feel overwhelmed all the time. And those around them often reproach them for laziness, not knowing the true cause of this condition. However, sometimes stress manifests itself in the fact that a man begins to sleep less. Anxious thoughts and experiences simply do not allow him to rest normally. As a result of a violation of the daily routine, a person is not able to perform work properly and constantly feels tired and weak. This condition indicates physical and mental exhaustion. Attacks of anger
Irritability in men often appears under conditions of psychological stress.
If a person is able to control his own emotions, he does not allow impulsive behavior. However, not everyone can manage themselves. And attacks of anger provoke a man to actions that entail serious consequences. Internal aggression periodically spills over to others. Any, even harmless, statement or action causes a storm of negative emotions. Such incontinence provokes quarrels and problems in the family. After all, not everyone can put up with such behavior. Failures in your personal life
How does stress manifest itself in men?
First of all, psychological stress affects relationships with loved ones. As a rule, in situations involving emotional overload, a person’s behavior changes. Children, parents, and spouses suffer from his aggression. Even the strongest marriage can succumb to the onslaught of stress. A man becomes demanding, capricious, gloomy. Some people react to emotional overload with anxiety and worry. Other people fall into the grip of addictions or commit aggressive actions, which result in domestic violence and family breakdown. Sometimes a man begins to approach life with pessimism, blames himself for all failures, gives up, and does not try to correct the current situation. Naturally, it is very difficult to contact such an individual. Even those close to him begin to avoid communicating with him. Failures in your personal life create new problems. And it is very difficult to get out of this vicious circle. Implications for physical health

Symptoms of stress in men are expressed in the appearance of the following ailments:

Muscle spasms.
Pathologies of the myocardium and blood vessels.
Gastrointestinal ulcers.
Increased blood pressure.
Sexual dysfunctions.
Dermatological pathologies.

In addition, cases of stress-related baldness in men are common. Unfavorable external circumstances lead to hormonal imbalances, as a result of which the hair becomes weak and the condition of the scalp worsens. How to cope with emotional overload?

In a situation of severe stress, a person’s character and physical condition undergo changes. How to avoid negative consequences? The following recommendations will help you cope with difficult circumstances:

Share problems with loved ones, spouse, relatives and acquaintances. A man needs to find someone he really trusts. It is important that the interlocutor is ready to listen, support and, if possible, provide assistance in a difficult situation. A conversation with a loved one relieves the feeling of loneliness and depression.
Contact a specialist. Many men are embarrassed to go to a psychologist. But there is no need to be ashamed of this. On the contrary, a specialist will help you identify the source of stress and give recommendations on how to combat it. In some cases, the doctor prescribes sedatives for the nervous system of adults, which eliminate nervousness, irritability and sleep problems.

Medicines
The most common drugs to combat psychological stress include:

"Persen."
"Afobazole".
"Tenoten."

It should be remembered that sedatives for the nervous system of an adult have their own characteristics and contraindications. Before using them, you should consult a specialist. Other Medicines
In order to cope with the symptoms of stress, it is recommended to use herbal medicines.
Valerian, motherwort, lemon balm, chamomile and sage have a calming effect. In addition, to improve physical and emotional well-being, dietary supplements that contain calcium, zinc and iron are prescribed. Experts advise taking anti-stress vitamins for men, for example, Vitamax. Prevention

To avoid depression and emotional overload, you must adhere to the following recommendations:

Maintain a clear daily routine.
Don't forget about physical activity and regular walks.
Watch your diet. Consume foods rich in vitamins, limit fast food and sweets.
Try to avoid psychological overload and communication with conflicting individuals.
Do not place excessive demands on yourself, be proud of your own achievements, learn to find reasons for joy in simple things.
Don't seek solace in bad habits. Hobbies, trips to theaters, museums, and cinema help to cope with negative emotions.

Material taken: Here

Difference between anxiety and fear

It is important to be able to distinguish between these concepts. Fear is specific, a person is afraid of a certain thing, object, situation. Anxiety is something vague, “blurry,” and completely absorbing.

Fear represents bad experiences from the past, childhood traumas. Anxiety is already manifesting itself for the future. The feeling of fear suppresses activity and slows down. The feeling of anxiety is equal to psychological arousal.

Irritated Man Syndrome

New medical research shows that men have a period during which they become irritable and aggressive. Experts associate this behavior with a sharp decrease in a hormone called testosterone.

Low testosterone affects the mental state of men, as well as potency. One of the reasons for the decrease in the hormone is stress and prolonged emotional stress.

Testosterone is called the male hormone, it is responsible for confidence, energy, and an active sex life. It is associated with hair growth, voice timbre, and general appearance. With chronic stress, testosterone is at a low level, which provokes isolation, nervousness, and most importantly, poor potency.

Testosterone is the conquering hormone and is associated with victory and confidence. With any success, its level increases. In case of regular failures, testosterone decreases, the person becomes vulnerable.

Negative perceptions of stress are much more dangerous than stress itself.

All people experience stress to one degree or another, but whether stress has a significant negative impact on our health depends on how we respond to it.

Professor David Almeida of Pennsylvania State University argues that people who are very irritated by their workload are more likely to develop stress-related illnesses than people who, although overwhelmed by work, are not worried about it.

Scientists from the University of Wisconsin conducted a study on the impact of the perception of stress on human health, and came to the conclusion that stress and its negative perception increases the risk of premature death.

Thus, we can conclude that it is important to be able to respond adequately to stimuli. It is almost impossible to completely eliminate stress from our lives; it is important to be able to cope with it and try to find something positive in a stressful situation. For example, if you are overloaded with work and it depresses you, imagine that performing certain tasks at work can increase your skill in something, which will make it easier to complete the same task in the future and you yourself will become smarter, stronger, stronger in spirit, and develop your memory .

By the way, there are various methods of combating procrastination that can and should be applied to combating stress - we wrote about them in the text “Guide to Procrastination“.

Causes

According to statistics, pathological fear occurs due to two most common reasons:

Stressful or traumatic situation. This reason is the most common, although people do not always remember what exactly happened, as a result of which constant fear appeared. However, a series of associations associated with a past situation can cause fear. For example, the fear of driving is based on a previously experienced accident, and the fear of choking is based on food getting stuck, which caused a panic experience. People with a developed imagination can acquire a phobia after a terrible incident with friends, or simply after seeing something frightening on TV.
Hereditary factor. Many fears, for example, fear of heights, snakes, spiders, etc. are based on the instinct of self-preservation and are inherent in all humanity. However, in people with a weak nervous system or a hereditary predisposition, the instinct of self-preservation can transform into obsessive fear.

Understanding and establishing the true causes of fears is already half the success towards answering the question of how to cope with phobias.

Consequences of long-term stress

A little stress does not have a big health hazard, but a chronic nervous state can lead to serious troubles:

obesity;
heart diseases;
digestive disorders;
hair problems;
skin diseases;
depression;
sexual dysfunction.

The problem of stress can be solved through your own efforts or with the help of loved ones. Family members or friends can help you come up with a plan to cope with a difficult situation and manage stress. Meditation and yoga, as well as developing healthy habits, are very helpful for maintaining physical and emotional health. Physical exercise, proper nutrition, regular sufficient rest, cultural events, hobbies will help to relieve nervous tension in a timely manner and avoid stress.

How to treat anxiety and fear

High-quality treatment of anxiety, first of all, should be based on what exactly causes it: fear for one’s appearance, for health, or for work. At this stage, medications are simply powerless. Often, treating anxiety is a task that can only be solved with the help of a psychotherapist.

It is a mistake to think that anxiety can be cured quickly, but it is also a mistake to treat it as an incurable disorder. With the right approach and comprehensive treatment, you can get rid of any fear and anxiety completely and irrevocably. Professional treatment of fears involves an individual approach and takes into account all the important characteristics of the patient: gender, age, lifestyle, occupation, habits, heredity, etc., depending on the degree of complexity of the disorder, the necessary therapy is selected. Often, in mild forms of the disease, a few consultations with a psychologist are enough to completely get rid of the symptoms of the disorder.

For significant disorders, treatment of anxiety involves combining psychological therapy with pharmacological treatment and instrumental intervention.

Diseases in men

It would take a long time to list them. The main thing is to understand that there is a problem and consult a doctor in time for help.

Andrology is a branch of urology that is responsible for the symptoms and treatment of men's health. After all, few men go to the doctor. Therefore, the disease often progresses, and against the background of this, a man loses the ability to satisfy a woman, and then to have sex in general. Frequent stress, environmental problems, bad habits, poor or irrational nutrition, advanced or frequent sexually transmitted infections - all this leads to a decrease in sexual desire.

Prostate adenoma develops with age. But in order to avoid the development of such a disease, it is advisable to start thinking about the prevention of prostate adenoma at a younger age.
If a man does not want sex every day, this could be menopause - disturbances or changes that occur over time in the male body, during which there is a gradual transition from puberty to a slow decline in erectile function.
Deficiency of testosterone in a man's body. This problem most often occurs after 50 years, when the hormone in the male body becomes very low. Although the deficiency may begin to manifest itself much earlier than this age.
The problem with the veins is varicocele. A male disease that begins in adolescence. Unfortunately, most often this leads to male infertility.
Prostatitis - most of the population suffers from this disease, since a man does not consult a doctor, the disease progresses, and inaction leads to infertility.
Narrowing of the foreskin – phimosis. Treatment is prescribed by a specialist in a hospital setting.
Inflammation of the head and foreskin - a man will be bothered by itching, pain, redness and swelling. With such symptoms, he will not be able to fulfill his marital duty.
Curvature of the penis, inflammation in the seminal vesicle, hydrocele and other male diseases.

There are many diseases, the list of them can be endless. If your partner has any symptoms or complaints, you need to sound the alarm and run immediately to the doctor. Then the man will be grateful to you not only in words, but also in bed.

There are a great many ways to give a man pleasure during sex. And they need to be used depending on the reason for the lack of desire. First of all, don’t nag your husband, since he is already emotionally stressed. It is best to arrange a joint vacation, preferably without children. Then the couple will be more likely to restore their intimate relationship.

How to deal with phobias

Look at problems with ease and understanding, do not focus on negative emotions.
Understand which places are especially comfortable for you and which people make you feel better.
Fight not the stress itself, but the situation that causes it.
Whatever the situation, take into account the risks and possible problems of its course
Go in for sports, physical exercise helps refresh your thoughts and distract you.
Accept yourself for who you are, love yourself.
Connect more with people with similar interests.
Under no circumstances should you drown your stress and problems in alcohol, alcohol will only cause addiction and completely ruin your life.

How to beat stress

The work of scientists also helped Zozhnik create this list of recommendations for dealing with stress:

Smile and laugh . Find some funny video on Youtube that will make you smile or laugh. When we laugh, our body releases endorphins, which improves our mood and makes us relax.
Read books . According to a study conducted at the University of Sussex, just 6 minutes of reading is enough to reduce stress levels. When we read, we immerse ourselves in a book and take our minds off our daily worries.
Call mom . Even if you don't have a chance to talk to your mom in person, just call her and vent. Calling your mom reduces stress just as much as a hug.
Eat dark chocolate . One study found that people suffering from chronic stress who ate 40 grams of chocolate had lower levels of the hormone cortisol, which is responsible for stress levels, at the end of the experiment.
Get enough sleep . Healthy sleep is also a great way to combat stress. Learn more about the effect of sleep on the human body.
Play sports . During sports, our body releases endorphins - joy hormones, which perfectly fight irritability.
Meditate . Meditation is great for fighting irritability and depression.
Learn to say NO . You don’t have to try to please everyone; you should always remember your own interests. Many people are afraid to say “no” because they believe that doing so will make them look bad in the eyes of others. We take on a job and then torment ourselves with thoughts of “why did I even agree to this?” However, those who constantly try to please everyone and solve the problems of others, in the end, cannot solve their own problems and are constantly stressed.

Sources:

https://www.tk.de/tk/themen/kampagne-stress/pressemitteilungen/612018
https://news.yale.edu/2012/01/09/even-healthy-stress-causes-brain-shrink-yale-study-shows
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23075206
https://healthland.time.com/2012/04/24/how-bullying-and-abuse-may-age-children-prematurely/
https://jnnp.bmj.com/content/83/11/1104
https://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/health/chronic-stress-equals-smoking-cigarettes-day-study-article-1.1224293
https://abcnews.go.com/Health/ColdandFluNews/chronic-stress-feeds-common-cold-study-finds/story?id=16054304
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736%2812%2960994-5/abstract
https://occmed.oxfordjournals.org/content/62/6/413.full
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https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-relief/art-20044456
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/news/5070874/Reading-can-help-reduce-stress.html
https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/observations/a-phone-call-from-mom-reduces-stress-as-well-as-a-hug/
https://www.livescience.com/7974-chocolate-reduces-stress-study-finds.html
https://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1809754
https://www.portal-der-psyche.de/gesunde-psyche/ratgeber/20100701-10-tipps-zur-stressbekaempfung.html

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Men's fears

Men also experience fear or male fears, let's look at the main ones:

Sex (in particular impotence);
Attitude (fear of being vulnerable in front of another person);
Responsibility (pregnancy, meeting parents, marriage);
Treason (fear of betrayal);
Changes;
Opinion of the mother and friends (he is afraid that the chosen one will not get along with his friends, he is afraid of disappointing his mother);
Beautiful women (fear of the popularity of women among men; a beautiful woman can leave for someone else at any time).

Other fears and the proportion of men subject to them:

83% disease
79% aging
60% height
79% terrorist attack
60% public speaking
50% indiscriminate shooting
56% wild animals
88% lack of money
26% darkness
68% dismissal
36% flying on an airplane
13% clowns
16% zombie
68% death

Ways to increase stress resistance

Help increase stress resistance:

Social connections. With the support of family members and friends, it is much easier to avoid severe stress, and if it does happen, it is easier to cope with it in the company of close people;
Feeling of control. A self-confident person is able to influence events and overcome difficulties; he is calmer and more easily accepting of any stressful situation;
Optimism. With such a worldview, the consequences of severe stress are practically neutralized, a person perceives changes as a natural part of his life, believes in goals and higher powers;
Ability to cope with emotions. If a person does not know how to calm himself down, he is very vulnerable. The ability to bring emotions into a state of balance helps to resist adversity;
Knowledge and preparation. Understanding what awaits a person after severe stress helps to accept the stressful situation. For example, recovery from surgery will be less traumatic if you learn about its consequences in advance, rather than waiting for a miraculous healing.

Potency under stress: libido state

If we talk about how stress affects potency, we should note temporary erectile dysfunction. A man clearly feels a decreased attraction to a representative of the opposite sex. There may be difficulties with ejaculation during sexual intercourse.

Severe stress can create pathological inhibition of sexual functions. The following factors can complicate the situation:

chronic infectious diseases;
pathologies of metabolic processes;
sexual disorders;
toxic effects of drugs and alcohol;
heredity;
neurasthenia and phobias.

The effect of stress on a man’s potency has long been proven. The transferred stressful state occurs due to psychological stupor. An organism that has experienced such a shock cannot achieve an erection and copulate.

To return to normal functioning, a man must stop focusing on the performance of sexual functions and associate them with emotional experiences.

When the self-control of a patient who finds himself in a non-standard situation is reduced, he manifests himself as a healthy person. During sleep, the representative of the stronger half continues to experience spontaneous erections, but only until he connects the brain.

Stress Prevention

Good books. Regular reading will help you take your mind off worldly worries, and escape reality in a good way.
Make a list. The simple habit of making a daily to-do list will help you organize your life and feel confident. You can create two to-do lists: personal (go grocery shopping, send a birthday card, pick up your son from soccer) and work (demand a raise, finish a report, gossip with a new employee). Cross out completed tasks. Just be realistic - a plan that is too extensive and unfulfilled will become a source of stress.
A look into the future. If an event fraught with stress looms before you - an important reception, an argument with your boss, drawing up the terms of a divorce - imagine a favorable development. For example, imagine how you would present your proposals to the CEO. Make sure your posture is confident, your voice is firm, and your sentences are smart. The more you replay everything in your mind, the less you will be shocked by reality.

Depressive emotional disorders Affective disorders (mood disorders) are mental disorders manifested by changes in the dynamics...
Is it possible to quickly cure phobias? A phobia is a neurosis that manifests itself in the form of a strong, difficult...
Causes of acute stress Acute stress is the most common - it occurs in connection with an immediate threat or...
Constant fear and anxiety Anxiety is the activity of the subconscious, trying to protect the body from possible...

How to cope with stress and improve potency?

Since the life of a modern person, and especially a man, is full of surprises and force majeure, almost everyone is exposed to danger. After reaching the age of thirty, the danger increases significantly. Work moments and tasks that were stressful during the day will return in the form of a sluggish erection at night.

This failure will only add to the existing feelings of fear and despair. Instead of contemplating the partner’s body and enjoying the process, the man’s brain generates pictures of past failures and bed incidents.

Strong aromas and too loud music can confuse you, but the most powerful “inhibitor” to an erection is the male brain. Does stress affect potency? Absolutely! To improve your partner’s well-being, use the following recommendations:

The partner must support the man in everything, otherwise you risk losing your sexual partner forever.
Give your body physical rest, as excessive stress can simply deprive you of your last strength.
Leave work conflicts and money issues outside the bedroom door, otherwise sex will turn into a showdown.
Affections and attention from a woman will help you cope with any stress.
Do not use alcohol, cigarettes or coffee to relieve tension.
Don't forget about walks in the fresh air and a change of scenery.

A sensitive attitude from a partner will help destroy a man’s phobia that is firmly entrenched in his head. It’s not for nothing that they say that competent advice from a wife helps a man make a successful career.

Creating comfort and a harmonious atmosphere in the house will help the representative of the stronger half to relax, escape from worries and taste the delights of sexual pleasures.

A wise partner will delight her loved one with a delicious dinner, beautiful linen, and a romantic atmosphere. Having surrounded a representative of the stronger half with such care, you can count on full return.

Sports activities and active recreation will help relieve excess stress. Choose your favorite sport and enjoy the sensations. The thirst for victory in a team game, passion and desire will help you “emerge” from a stressful situation.

A change of scenery and a trip to the forest or to the sea will certainly improve your well-being. Traditional men's pastimes include mountain hiking, fishing, horse riding, and hunting. By controlling your mood and feeling joy from every day, you will learn to perceive any information with restraint and calm.