Gender and a Stressed Brain

It’s fairly common knowledge now that male and female brains respond to stressors differently. Because of physiological factors, the female brain seems innately more reactive to stressors. Effective stress management strategies are critical for everyone but especially for the female brain. Studies have shown that females are at twice the risk for stress-related problems including depression and PTSD (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder). When under stress or pressure the female brain’s function of speech is activated and she may talk nonstop. Three major symptoms of stress for the female brain are: overwhelm, overreaction, and exhaustion. Under stress, females may go into Fight-Flight initially, but quickly fall back into using the Tend-Befriend stress response. Males respond differently and exhibit different symptoms (more on that tomorrow).