Last Updated: 01/08/2010

According to a recent survey conducted by Lifeline Australia, women are more stressed than men. Why is this? Women have many stresses in their lives but that doesn't mean men don't suffer just as much. Stress is an issue that is specific to each person, not just gender. However to understand how to combat your own stress, it is important to look at the different types of stresses that are unique to you which is usually easier to differentiate by gender.

According to the survey conducted by Lifeline, twice as many women are calling Lifeline than men and talk about issues that specifically affect them as a gender. These include:

• work life balance
• children
• self confidence and self esteem
• body images
• relationships
• wellbeing

Menopause is also another factor that all women will experience and can be quite stressful physically, mentally and emotionally.

Men have slightly different reasons that cause stress in their lives. The cause of stress within men will predominantly be linked with work stress and mid life crises. This is emphasised by the volatile economic climate we are living in today, adding further stress to a man's work life and personal life. According to Forbes magazine, the economic downturn has claimed the lives of a number of high-profile, successful business men due to the stress that is associated with such a large amount of responsibility, maintaining their reputations and the reflection of their work performance on their own self-worth. Men often identify themselves through their profession and if they start to struggle in that area, a lot of the time the thought "if I can't handle this, what kind of man am I?" will run through their heads. Refusing to admit their problems and stress will then lead to further stress and the cycle continues.

Mid life crises are also a cause for stress in a man's life and are often referred to as "male menopause". Whether you believe that male menopause exists, the midlife point for any person is a big transition which brings a lot of questions, self-discovery, self-doubt and stress.

It is important to recognise which issues are affecting you and find ways to help you combat stress that is comfortable for you. Browsing the web, reading PPC Worldwide online articles, talking to a professional or even a loved one will help you determine what is getting you down and help you rise above it.

For more information visit:
http://www.lifeline.org.au/
www.reachout.com.au
http://www.lifeline.org.au/learn_more/media_centre/media_releases/2010/wonen_more_stressed_than_men