The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
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 men, according to Toronto-based psychotherapist Dr. Bob Gottfried, author of Shortcut to Spirituality: Mastering the Art of Inner Peace. "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 they're better equipped to process stress. Men have been trained to ignore and deny their feelings, so they avoid dealing with stress." 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 that's 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.
