Stress for men and children

Illnesses from stress is more often associated with women but, men are just as much at risk though often for different reasons.

 

Among the health related conditions researchers associate with men are behavior disorders, hypertension, and alcohol and drug abuse. Studies have shown that women tend to live roughly 5 years longer than men, though there are many reasons for this. Of course such things as tending to work riskier jobs is a factor along with the previously mentioned symptoms that help explain why women tend to live longer than men.

 

A recent study among men concluded that stress was linked to the increased chances of suffering a stroke. This is due to the increase in blood pressure in men who are under a lot of stress.  It has also been suggested that men experience a sort of “flight or fight” symptom which are a key component of anxiety attacks among men.  This inner need to fight or run becomes a necessary option for men, as opposed to women as it is considered a manly thing to do. In addition, men who are under a lot of stress also experience an increase in their heart rate along with blood pressure causing strokes and heart disease. 

 

As an adult it can be hard to believe that children and teens can suffer from stress when we as adults think "well they don't have a mortgage, car payments, life insurance, retirement saving and other things we as adults go through children still see the world through their own eyes and to them the things they deal with are indeed stressful and we as parents need to be mindful of that.  While much has been written on stress related illnesses in teens as it pertains to suicide and other destructive behavior, it should also be mentioned here as well because belittling their issues can only make things worse.

 

Children and particularly teens are under a great deal of social pressure. Whether there is peer pressure, bullying, or they are unable to achieve success in any given area in their lives. The affect of stress on teenagers has been clearly evident in recent news.  They become isolated, develop eating disorders, have low self-esteem, cut classes, listen to depressing dark types of music, spend a great deal of time alone in their rooms and thoughts of suicide can come to the forefront of their lives. Talk to your children, listen to them and help to understand the stresses the face and help them cope and know that you will always be there for them.