Anxiety is an equal opportunity offender. It doesn’t “seek out” men or women, specifically. Anyone can struggle with it, and while some studies have suggested that women are more likely to experience anxiety than men, that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of men struggling with severe symptoms.
While anxiety can impact anyone, the way the symptoms manifest themselves can be different in men and women. Unfortunately, that can be problematic for men who might already be “trained” to keep quiet about their mental health. With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at how anxiety symptoms differ in men and what you should do if you’re experiencing them.
The Inside Issues Are the Same
Again, anxiety doesn’t care who it is affecting. It doesn’t change based on gender. So, why do men and women sometimes present symptoms differently?
To better understand that, you have to first understand that the “inside” issues are the same for both men and women. Anxiety is often rooted in uncertainty. It creates fear, worry, and can make you feel like you’re not in control of your thoughts or life.
Women tend to respond to those fears by appearing nervous or worried about everything. They might start to question situations in their lives and focus on the “what ifs” more than they need to. Unfortunately, that can cause a vicious cycle of fear and the unknown.
How Do Men Present Anxiety?
Men experience the same uncertainties, unknowns, and worries when they’re dealing with anxiety. However, they’re less likely to express themselves with nervousness. Instead, men are more likely to react to anxiety through anger, aggression, and irritability.
Sound familiar? Perhaps you find that you’re easily angered, or you feel the need to be more aggressive when you’re uncertain about something. There’s a good chance you’re dealing with anxiety but not necessarily responding to it in the healthiest way. Some men also try to “block” their feelings of anxiety by turning to unhealthy coping mechanisms, including alcohol. These unsavory ways to cope often numb anxious thoughts and experiences. But they’re only temporary fixes.
The Issue With Men’s Mental Health
There are several theories as to why men might present anxiety symptoms differently. Some suggest it has to do with levels of testosterone in the body. However, the biggest issue is likely the stigma surrounding men’s mental health.
Far too often, men try to ignore or hide their symptoms because of that stigma. They’re worried having anxiety might make them seem weak or like less of a man. Obviously, this is an outdated stereotype. Most people can recognize that. But it’s so ingrained in our culture that it’s difficult to let go of.
Opening up about their anxiety can be especially difficult for men in professional settings. You might worry about how people will view you at work or that some kind of mental “weakness” might cost you success.
What Can You Do?
Anxiety can cause everything from a racing heart and sweating to extreme fear, shaking, and difficulty sleeping. As a man, you might also experience frustration and anger more often than not. So, what can you do to combat those symptoms?
Start by acknowledging them. Emotions will always demand to be felt, no matter how hard you try to push them down. In fact, trying to ignore your feelings will often make your symptoms worse. Don’t be afraid to fight back against the stigma and stereotypes. Anxiety is the most common mental health condition in the world. It’s also one of the most manageable with the right help.
If you’re ready to fight back against your anxiety and take control of your mental well-being, feel free to contact me to set up an appointment for anxiety therapy.