Stress – the feeling of being under duress – is our body’s response to perceived threats. Signs include a rapidly beating heart, increased blood pressure and heightened senses. Temporary, stress is beneficial because it helps us react quickly to threatening situations. Prolonged, or chronic stress, can be a risk factor or make hypertension, obesity and diabetes worse (2).

Men in general experience a higher rate of stress. Furthermore, African American men experience higher levels of stress for a longer duration – usually our entire lifespan. Some of us may develop signs of hypertension, heart disease, or other potentially fatal health problems as early as our mid-20’s.

The causes of stress may include socio-economic conditions, lack of health care, poor diet, and obesity. Research suggests that coping with racial discrimination (as a result of being African American) is both a direct and indirect factor that exacerbates Black men’s stress and triggers other risk factors (3).

As Black men, it is important that we understand and heed the warning signs in order to cope with our stress.

Learn more about the affects of stress. Visit these related links:

• What you should know about stress
• How stress affects diabetes
• How stress affects high blood pressure