What about stress and its effects on men's health? I'm under a lot of stress at the moment and have a weight problem.

The following excerpt from my blog - Why stress makes men fight while women protect - may interest you.

Often the most important thing is to identify the main cause of the stress and plan a means of tackling it. If you would would like more information about this do contact me again in case I can give you any suggestions.

Men may naturally:
 - Withdraw and find communication challenging
 - Tend to want to be alone in their 'man cave'
 - Tend towards fight (getting angry, competitive or looking for someone to blame)
 - Or flight (wanting to escape into a distraction)

Women may naturally:
 - Feel a whole range of difficult emotions
 - Want to talk, seek reassurance and nurture
 - Seek to keep relationships harmonious even if it calls for going into overdrive and self sacrifice

So for those of you left wondering why it can be challenging being around the opposite sex  when under stress it seems my husband had a point when he claimed, 'women look for empathy and men look for solutions'.

With this is mind, if you are wrestling a whirlwind or hoping to help a loved one manage a maelstrom here are some tips:

Stressed men may benefit from:
 - Being given space (to be alone or out with the boys)
 - Subtle suggestions to talk but only if required
 - Physical or competitive exercise
 - Pursuing a hobby

Women may benefit from:
 - Talking to a friend, family member or support network
 - Indulging in a nurturing activity
 - Taking a relaxing bath or getting a massage
 - Saying 'no' to going into overdrive and 'yes' to self care.

That said we humans are complex beings with aspects of the masculine and feminine whether we are male or female. Therefore the most important thing is to create a personal self care kit that works for you and be sure to call on it and communicate it to all those who need to know.

Links and sources:
http://www.webmd.com/women/features/stress-tips-for-men-and-women?page=2
http://www.besthealthmag.ca/get-healthy/best-health-for-men/is-stress-harder-or-men
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-gail-gross/men-and-stress_b_3430607.html

With best wishes

Marianna