Stress affects men differently than it does women, which are more likely to seek help and get communal support from social groups. Men tend to isolate themselves, and suffering in silence causes stress to manifest into anger, anxiety, depression and even suicide.

Jerron Hill, M.D., of Ketamine Health & Wellness Center of Texas and Dr. CBD & Nutrition Centers, emphasizes that stress is one of the common denominators for medical diseases, chronic pain and mood disorders. “Stress is anything that a person perceives as pressure or strain. Over the past year, the pandemic has increased the amount of pressure and strain that people are having in their lives,” notes Hill. “I like to teach patients to look at their lives and determine where stress comes from and what stressors they can control.”

Changing how we react to stress can make a difference. Hill quotes Hans Selye, M.D., Ph.D., who conducted breakthrough research regarding human stress. “It’s not stress that kills us, it’s our reaction to it,” Hill says. He recommends exercise, which helps temper the sympathetic nervous system. Hill also advises that men practice mindfulness, yoga and prayer to manage stress, advising, “Men need to take more time to invest in their self-care.”

Certain foods also affect moods. Hill notes that the average American diet consists of sugary, processed foods that cause inflammation in the brain and body. Proper vitamin B and D intake also improves the immune and nervous systems. Intermittent fasting helps support the immune system, detoxify the body, regulate blood sugar and weight, and increase energy and ability to focus.  Intermittent fasting doesn’t mean completely abstaining from food, but instead choosing foods during the fast such as vegetables, nuts and legumes, which have no sugar, are low in calories and nutrient-dense.

“When you can manage stress, you can prevent sickness and disease, insomnia and even cancers,” Hill says. “If men are feeling bad, talk with a loved one, friend, family member, pastor or someone who can provide professional help. As a man, I know that men can suffer in silence. To learn more about stress management and wellness, contact our office for a complimentary consultation.”

Dr. Jeff Davies, of Dallas Designer Smiles, has seen how pandemic stress is affecting oral health. Over the past year, many of his male patients have come in with teeth clenching or grinding. Often unintentional, clenching at night can lead to cracked or chipped teeth. “Teeth clenching can also manifest into migraines and joint issues,” Davies says.

He says that in general, men can be neglectful in their habits and hygiene, and are more prone to chewing tobacco, smoking and drinking more alcohol than women. “A lot of guys neglect pain and put it off, so they might be ignoring symptoms that can make an issue worse,” Davies advises. “They are busy, balancing school, families, life and work, so it’s hard for them to make time for themselves.”

Invisalign, a clear tooth alignment treatment, helps correct teeth clenching. “It’s helpful in reducing stress points on teeth and puts teeth into the proper position and alignment,” Davies explains. “It helps teeth withstand clenching. It’s a nice, holistic method we use to treat those issues.”

Ketamine Health & Wellness Center of Texas is located at 5944 W. Parker Rd., Ste. 400, in Plano, 972-212-434, KetamineHealthTX.com.

Dr. CBD & Nutrition Centers is located at 6933 Hillcrest Ave., in University Park, 972-863-7775.

Dallas Designer Smiles is located at 8222 Douglas Ave., Ste. 810, in Dallas, 214-363-0005, DallasDesignerSmiles.com.