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Stress & Depression in Men Vs. Women

According to the University of Maryland's Health Center, while biology and genetics may influence how men and women handle stress, it is truly their coping mechanisms and lifestyle choices that affect their overall health.

  1. Tend and Befriend Response

    • The Psychological Review cites a UCLA study, in which women reacted to stress by protecting their children, or turning to other women for support.

    Society

    • Both the University of Maryland and Richard Driscoll, PhD, author of The Stronger Sex, state that men are expected to be the strong ones and not show any weakness, which leads men to provide for their families and not cry when they feel afraid.

    Vices

    • The Triangle Institute cited in their study that women binge on food more when they are stressed, while men turn to alcohol or illegal drugs.

    Health Issues

    • Men take greater risks with their health, like driving under the influence, not wearing a seat belt, or staying up all night and eating junk food, according to the University of Maryland's Health Center.

    Depression Symptoms

    • Men and women exhibit depression symptoms differently. Men may feel angry or irritable while women feel sad or hopeless. Men also become controlling in order to maintain some control in their life, while women may become clingy, blurring acceptable boundaries.

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