April is Stress Awareness Month, and employers, charities and healthcare organisations will be organising events, training and workshops to help tackle the current epidemic of stress. The pressures of modern life can feel unrelenting, from continually rising bills and job insecurity to concerns about body image and dating or relationships.
Here’s a look at how stress affects men in particular and some strategies for managing it.
How stress affects men mentally
Stress affects us all, but research shows that men are often worse at coping with stress than women. They are less likely to talk about what’s on their minds with friends and family or reach out for professional support than women. They are also more likely to resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as abusing alcohol or drugs.
Men who are chronically stressed are also more likely to engage in risky or impulsive behaviour, and may be more prone to violence towards others or self-harm. Untreated stress can also damage relationships, leading to frequent arguments, irritability, or withdrawal from emotional intimacy.
Chronic stress also affects work performance and lowers job satisfaction, and this may lead to unemployment and financial difficulties. It can also lead to social isolation and anxiety, and amplify negative thoughts and self-talk, increasing the likelihood of developing related mental health problems such as anxiety and depression.
The physical effects of stress on men
Stress affects us not just mentally, but physically as well. For men, prolonged stress could result in issues such as thinning hair and hair loss, erectile dysfunction, recurrent headaches, sleep disturbances, digestive difficulties, and a weakened immune system.
Tips for managing stress
It may not be possible to completely eliminate the source of stress in our lives, but identifying the triggers and taking any possible action to lessen or remove them is the first step. Of course, this is not always possible as we all need to pay bills and work or seek employment. However, many people successfully learn to manage their stress levels.
Lifestyle changes, such as getting regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, limiting caffeine and alcohol consumption, and getting enough sleep can be beneficial. Relaxation techniques such as meditation or mindfulness can also help. If these methods do not work, it’s advisable to seek some professional support.
Tackling the physical effects of stress
You may find that the physical effects of stress ease as you make some lifestyle changes or practice relaxation techniques. However, if you continue to experience persistent physical symptoms even taking steps to control your stress levels, it’s important to consult a doctor. This is because there may be an underlying health issue that needs addressing.
For example, erectile dysfunction (ED) that lasts for longer than three months may be a sign of a silent health problem, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease or diabetes. It could also be due to low testosterone levels, which is another potential outcome of prolonged stress.
Untreated ED can also be yet another source of stress, so it becomes a vicious cycle that is difficult to break out of. If this seems familiar, and your doctor has ruled out any underlying health problems, you may benefit from a Viagra subscription, which is available in the UK without a prescription.
You’ll just need to have a short remote consultation with an online pharmacist, and if you are suitable for the treatment, your subscription will be posted to your door in discreet packaging. Viagra is the world’s most commonly used oral ED treatment, and it is approved by regulators as a safe and effective solution when used as recommended.
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