A Closer Look at Male Coping Mechanisms: How Men Deal With Stress, Depression, and Trauma Differentl

Have you ever noticed that men seem to deal differently with life stress, depression, and trauma? If so, you're entirely right – but why?

Men cope differently for many reasons, from society's expectations to brain wiring. Unfortunately, many men often turn to substance abuse, anger, and extreme coping mechanisms instead of seeking help.

At Pacific Phoenix Psychiatry & TMS, Dr. Elia R. Gonzalez-Rodriguez offers various treatments for men and women, including transcranial magnetic stimulation, medication management, and IM ketamine therapy.

Why do men cope differently?

Men and women deal with trauma and stress quite differently, for many reasons. Women are more likely to seek help and use healthy coping mechanisms. At the same time, men often internalize their feelings and use more aggressive methods to deal with them.

Men may cope differently due to a difference in brain chemistry or because society holds them to a different standard than women. Men are often taught to be tough and not show emotion, which is the opposite of the truth.

Hormones may also play a role in why men cope differently from women. Men have more testosterone, while women have increased estrogen, resulting in differing responses to stress.

Men and stress

Men often cope with stress through both healthy and unhealthy mechanisms. Some guys head to the gym for an extreme workout, while others try sports or relaxation techniques.

Unfortunately, men don't often talk about their feelings and internalize them. That usually leads to feelings of anger, aggression, and sometimes violence.

Men are also more likely to turn to drugs and alcohol to deal with stress and other emotions. They're less likely to seek out help, even in extreme situations.

Coping with depression

Men have depression just as much as women, but are less likely to seek out help or treatment. They may downplay the symptoms, which don't always include sadness. Men may experience ongoing digestive issues, headaches, and other obscure symptoms that they don't recognize as depression.

Most men also have trouble talking to someone about their feelings or symptoms. Men may think that it isn’t "manly" to discuss feelings of sadness or emotional distress with others.

It's also common for men not to seek treatment for depression because of the stigma that they aren’t "strong" enough. They often think that getting diagnosed and needing treatment may allow their family and friends to lose respect for them.

Depression can lead to suicidal ideations and attempts in men and women. Although women attempt suicide more often, men are more likely to follow through and be successful with the effort.

What can I do to cope better?

As a man, it's essential to take care of yourself, especially when you're struggling with depression, stress, or trauma. It's crucial to recognize the signs of a problem and seek treatment to avoid getting pulled into substance abuse or other poor coping mechanisms.

We offer various treatments for issues like depression, PTSD, and trauma for veterans and anyone else seeking help. We also provide tips for coping with these problems, some of which include:

• Prioritizing mental health
• Getting regular exercise
• Eating a healthy diet
• Getting plenty of sleep
• Practicing mindfulness or meditation
• Building a strong support system
• Seeking counseling or therapy
• Looking into medication management

Our team offers specific medications, including Spravato™, ketamine, and antidepressants, to ease symptoms of depression and to deal with trauma. We also provide counseling and therapy to help you cope effectively with your feelings.

Contact our team today to schedule an appointment for depression or trauma, or request a consultation on the website. Our team offers services to those in greater Portland, Salmon Creek, East Vancouver, and Steilacoom-Lakewood, Washington.