Depression-Stress, Men-Midlfe

First an apology for the repeat on the immediate previous post. Revised it, stored the revision, and inadvertently resent it. Mainly tried to add a good reference list regarding sputum [yes spit, vs serum, blood] testing for hormone balance, but had trouble posting a word doc link to the blog, so will have to work more with that file this next weekend.

But yes, we are staying on message.

Stress effects hormones. See our previous two posts on adrenal fatigue. Most women are deeply aware of hormonal changes with stress. But most men don't get it. Yes, women do have adrenal fatigue and hormonal changes, and often they come into the office.

Men often don't come into the office – until they are face-on-the-pavement.

Several interesting blogs address the challenges with men, their denial, and their patterns with stress, and depression.

Over on the psych side we often look for the psychological reframe. We look for ways to approach challenges from a different perspective, to encourage a view of reality that embraces [sorry guys] multiple dimensions often present.

Men and women often find themselves stuck in looking at problems from only one perspective. And we, in science, often encourage the idea that *right* is “right 100%.” [See the book that says much more about this subject than anyone I know, Science and Sanity, by Alfred Korzybski.]

Three men that focus on working with men – and the problem of *rut arrest* – are worthy of review:

1. David Schoof: Dave has a very interesting site on this very subject, writes very well, has some podcasts and other ways to connect with stress and stuckness [that's a scientific word…] Engaging The Disquiet
2. Lyle Lachmuth: Lyle is there in his flashy rain gear dealing with men stuck in a rut, needing change, and so burned out they are burned in. Creative Careers Unleashed
3. Hal Sommerschield: Dr Hal has an interesting approach with specific mental exercises to take yourself out of the rut. North Star Mental Fitness

All of these guys have considerable experience, interesting perspectives, and a warm sense of humor. Interesting how an improved sense of humor often accompanies a change in perspective. If you are that serious you probably are stuck!

By the way…don't tell your pals at the gym that you are reading a blog by a psychiatrist.

More specifics on andropause soon. Yeah guys, we can get it too.