High stress levels have also been found to cause asthma attacks, head pain, difficulty sleeping, stomach problems and skin disorders. Stress is also linked to mental conditions like depression and anxiety disorders.

Studies show that chronic stress reduces the levels of the hormone estrogen in women. This might put some women at greater risk for heart disease or the bone-thinning disease osteoporosis.

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BARBARA KLEIN: Mental and health experts believe personality is an important part in how we experience stress. Personality is the way a person acts, feels and thinks.

Some people are aggressive and always in a hurry. They often become angry when things do not happen the way they planned. They are called “Type A” personalities. Studies suggest that these people often get stress-related disorders.

The “Type B” personality is calmer. These people are able to deal with all kinds of situations more easily. As a result, they are less affected by stress.

Experts say women are three times more likely than men to develop depression in reaction to the stress in their lives

BOB DOUGHTY: Studies have shown that men and women deal with stress differently. Women seem to be better able to deal with stress than men are. However, experts say women are three times more likely to develop depression in reaction to the stress in their lives.

American writer John Gray became famous for his book, “Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus.” He says one major difference between men and women is the way they react to the hormone testosterone. The body releases this hormone to deal with stressful situations. Mister Gray says studies have linked a rise in testosterone levels to reduced stress in men. However, high testosterone levels have no such effect on women.