Health News
Men and Women are Different When it comes to Stress
February 23, 2006
According to a recent nationwide survey of 1,600 adults, many common beliefs about stress and gender are wrong. The study was conducted for a group that included the American Psychological Association (APA), National Women's Health Resource Center and iVillage.
The survey revealed that more women (28 percent) consider money to be "a very significant source of stress" than men do (19 percent). And men are more likely to turn to food for comfort than women are. Men and women also handle their stress differently. Men are more likely to become irritable, angry and sleepless from stress. Women tend to feel nervous and emotional. In general, the study shows that women are more stressed than men are. Single mothers carry the most stress, followed by single fathers. More women (27 percent) than men (20 percent) worry about the health of a spouse or child, and more women (25 percent) than men (15 percent) say children are a very significant source of stress in their lives.
Dr Newman from the APA offers some tips for dealing with stress. First, you should identify what is causing your stress. People are often not honest with themselves or do not want to admit what is causing them stress. Second, ask someone to help you with what is causing your stress. Finally, make time for yourself and be try to fit in activities such as exercise, reading or anything other hobby you enjoy.