How Does Anxiety Look Different for Men?
Anxiety can impact everyone; men, women, children, teens, and the elderly. It is not exclusive to any race or background. Anxiety, unfortunately, is something that many people commonly experience. In fact, it is so common that it is actually considered one of the most prevalent mental health concerns in the world today.
Even though anyone can experience anxiety, men do experience anxiety differently. But what makes men experience anxiety differently than other populations?
How Men Experience Anxiety
The difference with how men experience anxiety isn't because they go through a different set of symptoms. The mental symptoms of anxiety are universal and can include:
Excessive worrying
Irritability
Difficulty concentrating
Racing thoughts
A person's physical health can also be affected, and they may experience:
Feeling sweaty or clammy, even when not doing something physical
Muscle tension
Racing heart
Poor sleep habits
Not everyone will experience these symptoms in the same way. One person may have more severe symptoms, while another person will only experience them mildly.
What Causes Anxiety?
There is no "one-size fits all" cause of anxiety. Anxiety, in general, is a biological response our ancestors developed. Known as fight-or-flight, they used anxiety to deal with life-or-death situations. They could either run from danger or stay and fight. Today, this learned biological response isn't exactly the most useful for modern society.
Anxiety can develop because of a family history of mental health concerns. Or, it can begin after going through many stressful events. Over time, the body learns to deal with stress by developing anxiety symptoms as a way to keep going.
Anxiety And Men
Men Feel A Lot Of Pressure
First, men experience anxiety because there is a lot of pressure from society to fit a certain mold. This often means being the family's breadwinner or acting or behaving in a certain way. Women experience this too, but men, especially, are expected to fulfill the traditional roles that men typically hold. We live in a society where traditional roles don't have to have as big of an impact, but they still do.
Mental Health Stigma
Men are less likely to receive anxiety treatment because of mental health stigma. From a young age, boys are taught to suppress their feelings and "man up." To never talk about what is bothering them. They are wrongly taught that they are weak if they admit they are going through something that is bothering them.
Less Likely To Reach Out
Due to the stigma surrounding men and mental health, they are less likely to reach out for support from their family doctor or a therapist. Not only can this prevent their anxiety from getting better, but it can actually worsen it when left untreated for too long.
How To Get Help With Anxiety As A Man
First, know that there is nothing wrong with admitting that you are struggling with your mental health. Every gender struggles with their mental health and owning up to the idea that they aren't actually okay.
Having anxiety or depression does not make you any less of a man. If anything, it makes you more of a human. Even though society has taught you that you need to man up, you don't have to believe those lies. There is nothing unmanly about a struggle with mental health.
You don't have to shout from the rooftops that you are struggling with anxiety. Therapy is a confidential and safe space to explore the issues you are facing. I can help you learn how to manage your symptoms in therapy for men so that they no longer control you. Reach out to me to begin.
