Men need to learn effective stress management strategies to enhance their longevity
(PRWEB) October 20, 2004 -- The ability of women to better identify and handle stress may be the single biggest factor explaining why women live an average of seven years longer than men, and why female suicide rates are far lower than mens, says Toronto-based psychotherapist Dr. Bob Gottfried, author of Shortcut to Spirituality: Mastering the Art of Inner Peace.
Director of Advanced Wellness Programs and a consultant with the Canadian Centre for Integrative Medicine, Gottfried points out that while women outnumber men in attempted suicides (3:1), men successfully commit suicide four times more often.
Although women tend to be more emotional, which can temporarily increase stress, they are also more comfortable processing such feelings instead of repressing them," says Gottfried. I truly believe that women live longer than men because theyre better equipped to process stress. Men have been trained to ignore and deny their feelings, so they avoid dealing with stress. Thats why women are more likely to send a ‘plea for help by attempting suicide, whereas men just go through with it."
According to Gottfried, studies have shown that men suffering from depression are able to identify the physical aspects of depression (e.g., insomnia, pain and fatigue), but have trouble pinpointing emotional components such as melancholy, irritability, regret, disappointment and hopelessness.
In childhood, boys get the message that feelings equal frailty – that they should avoid any display of weakness and vulnerability. Historically, it was once important for men to erect a façade of strength in order to frighten enemies and predators, but thats not particularly helpful today."
Gottfried suggests a five-step approach for overcoming stress, depression and burnout:
1. Learn to recognize symptoms and sources of stress.
2. Talk about problems with your doctor and loved ones.
3. Learn relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation and yoga.
4. Explore enjoyable activities, hobbies, sports, etc.
5. Reduce stress-inducing expectations and the desire for perfection.
Gottfried recently designed an online course to help men identify and better deal with their emotions, and to bridge gender-based gaps in cognition and communication. It is available, free of charge, by visiting www.deeperdimension.com.
The e-course is also designed to help men overcome identity crises caused by changing gender roles as described in Shortcut to Spirituality. Enhancing relationships and dealing with lifes challenges are among the other topics covered in the book, which features advice and mental exercises based on psycho-emotional and spiritual practices.
You can contact Dr. Bob Gottfried at (416) 222-0004 or bobgot@rogers.com.
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