Stressed young woman in sweater on beach with cell phone

Why do women suffer more stress?

For SHA

| October 17, 2017

Health & Beauty

Conceiçao Espada- Head of the Mind & Body unit

Each person reacts differently to stress, but generally speaking, the triggers are similar for most people. However, did you know that women respond to stress differently than men, and that they are more prone to stressing out? The expert in stress management and head of the Mind & Body unit at SHA, Conceçao Espada, has launched her new book, ‘Estoy Extresada’, providing a practical guide for women to find balance in a world where they have play many roles in their day to day.

With the help of Conceiçao, we’ve delved into the world of stress. What is it, why do women suffer more stress and how can we manage it to avoid suffering from health problems, like for example becoming infertile?

Is it true that women suffer more stress than men? Why?

Women suffer more stress than men because their response to stress is different. Women have a completely different hormonal system, which as a result causes them to react more emotionally and become more exhausted on an emotional level. Furthermore, they are exposed to more stress factors as they have to assume many roles in their day to day.

What are the challenges women face in this day and age?

The challenges women face nowadays is different than 20 years ago. Women are able to focus on their professional career, however, they still have to compete with men to obtain the same rights, and as a result, they become emotionally worn out. On top of that, they have to balance their work life with their personal life, fulfilling their role as mothers and also finding time to take care of themselves and their relationships.

What are the main factors that cause stress?

There are many factors that cause stress and they can differ from women to women. Each woman reacts differently to stress depending on her archetype (feminine ecology). Generally speaking, the most common factors are professional pressures, finding balance between work and personal life, the everyday struggles of motherhood, the health of loved ones and finding time to have a healthy relationship with their partner.

How does stress manifest itself and what characterizes feminine stress?

Stress manifests itself in physical, emotional and psychological symptoms. The most common ones are: sleep problems, constant fatigue, unbalanced digestive system, increased appetite and eating unhealthy foods, or on the extreme end, loss of appetite, and impatience and emotional imbalance. All of these symptoms can worsen during the hormonal cycle of a woman. The worse symptom of all, however, is burnout.

What are the keys to managing stress?

The first step is to recognise that stress exists and it’s a disorder that must be treated. It is also important to understand that stress can be addictive, and it is definitely not a normal way of living. From there onwards, the next step would be to change habits and relax the mind and body by practicing breathing exercises, meditation, creativity and working on the internal behaviour patterns to improve them.

What health risks can stress have on women?

There are many risks and affect both emotional and physical health. For example, the symptoms can present themselves as lack of self esteem, weight problems, problems getting pregnant, depression, anxiety and trouble socializing with people.

What tips would you give to the 21st century woman?

The best advice for women is that they shouldn’t try to be like men. It’s important that they dedicate time to themselves and they work hard at maintaining internal balance in their lives, improving their relationship with their partners, their children and themselves.