Gender and Age as Personal Identities

Personal Identity Paper
Students Name
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Instructors Name
Date
Personal Identity Paper
Introduction
Gender and age are essential in determining the prevalence of certain health conditions. Other social factors also contribute to these conditions and might vary from one person to another. The paper will focus on the identity of age and gender and their contribution to mental health and heart diseases.
Identity Overview
Age focuses on the number of years that an individual has lived since birth. In this case, I chose my age of 21 and its contribution to mental health. Most 21-year-old individuals are in school, facing the risk of poor mental health due to stress from school and other aspects of life (Karyotaki et al., 2020). Stress can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses. These conditions occur because more factors affect them at this age than younger ones, and they are less exposed to stressors.
Gender focuses on the biological differences between men and women. In this case, I chose my gender of being male and its contribution to heart diseases. Men have a higher risk of heart disease than women due to their lifestyle choices, such as smoking and high blood pressure. Men are also more likely to have high cholesterol or blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease (Asp, Bratt & Bramhagen, 2015). This is because they have higher levels of testosterone, which is associated with several health risks, including obesity and high blood pressure.
Risk Factors
The risk factor for mental health conditions among 21-years olds is stress from school work. These individuals may be under a lot of pressure to balance their school life with other activities. They may have trouble sleeping or eating well and feel overwhelmed by their workloads. The lack of sleep due to stress is among the leading causes of mental conditions such as depression and anxiety. Another stressor for 21-year-olds is the stress of being away from home. While it can be difficult to adjust to college, many students find it easier than expected and enjoy their independence. However, others find that they miss their parents and friends back home and might have challenges adjusting to the new schedules.
The main risk factor for males developing heart disease is high testosterone levels. These high testosterone levels put men at high cholesterol levels and blood pressure risk. These high cholesterol levels and blood pressure cause plaque in the arteries, leading to a heart attack or stroke. High testosterone levels can also cause a man to develop belly fat, another contributing factor to heart disease. Men who are overweight are more likely to have high cholesterol and blood pressure than men who aren’t overweight. This puts them at a higher risk of developing heart disease.
Long-Term Health Consequences
The long-term health consequence of stress is that it can lead to mental health issues like anxiety and depression. When an individual develops anxiety and depression, they experience a wide range of symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, insomnia, and social isolation. The stress experienced can also lead to other physical problems, making it challenging for t...