We all have stories about how men and women experience stress differently.
My friend, Barbara, is stressed out these days – like so many of us. She works as a second-grade teacher in a school district that was supported by an auto industry tax base. The school-age population in her district is getting smaller and she's not sure how long she'll have her job.
When Barbara's stress builds up she ends up crying hidden in the bathroom when get gets home. Then she talks frequently about how she feels with her friends and family. It's her way to get it all out.
Barbara's husband, Frank, works for a large accounting firm who lists some of their large accounts as auto suppliers and pharmaceuticals. Their clients are global but they're still losing some and the firm's staff has been reduced.
Frank doesn't say much when he's stressed. And he doesn't cry. Depending upon how stressed he is, Frank can become irritable.
A primary reason why men and women react differently to stress is hormones. Cortisol, epinephrine and oxytocin are the important ones. When you are stressed your levels of cortisol and epinephrine raise your blood pressure and your circulating blood sugar level. The problem is raised cortisol can lower the effectiveness of your immune system. Not good for your health.
At one time it was thought that men and women produce different levels of cortisol when they get stressed but now we know that's not the case. It's the hormone called oxytocin which makes the difference. When women are stressed and the cortisol and epinephrine rush through the bloodstream, oxytocin is released from the brain which counters the production of cortisol and epinephrine and promotes more nurturing emotions. Men also secrete oxytocin when they're stressed but in much smaller amounts.
The old fight or flight theory about stress works for men but women are more likely to deal with stress by tending and befriending or nurturing those around them and reaching out to others.
What do you do to handle your stress - chew gum? go for a walk? write in your journal? Tell us about your stress management tools so we can share them with others. Scroll down to 'Comments" and type your tips in the window. Much appreciation.
To your success at a balance life.
Ruthan Brodsky
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