Over 30% of adults in the United States will experience an anxiety disorder in their lifetime. And more often than not, anxiety disorders affect women. Research has found that one-third of women will experience an anxiety disorder in their lifetime, compared to 22% of men. However, it’s likely that men are underrepresented in these statistics. Time and time again, research has told us that men are unlikely to seek help for a mental health problem. This means they often do not admit when they are struggling, or ignore the symptoms altogether, and never get the diagnosis they deserve.
If you believe your loved one – a son, brother, friend, or partner – is struggling with anxiety, you can make an incredible difference simply by recognizing the problem. By knowing the symptoms of anxiety in men, and providing support without judgement, you can help them on the path to a happier, healthier, and more productive life.
So, let’s explore more about anxiety disorders in men – what they are, what they look like, and how they can (and should) be treated.
What is an Anxiety Disorder?
An anxiety disorder is a type of mental health condition, characterized by feelings of persistent worry, dread, fear, and impending “doom.” It can come with a mix of emotional, behavioral, and physical symptoms. There are many types of anxiety disorders, affecting men and women differently.
It’s important to note that an anxiety disorder is different from occasional anxiety. Occasional anxiety is feeling nervous or anxious about something coming up—a big exam, school performance, job interview, large party, or even tackling a conflict at work. Leading up to these situations, it’s normal for anxiety to develop as the body’s response to keep us focused, aware, and safe.
Anxiety disorders, however, go beyond this occasional nervousness. An anxiety disorder is chronic, happening most days of the week, and affecting a person’s ability to function in regular life. When the anxiety gets in the way of daily activities, develops for no apparent reason, leads to overreactions, and becomes difficult to control or mitigate, then an anxiety disorder is likely to blame.
Anxiety in Men vs. Women: How It Differs
Studies show that men and women experience anxiety differently. For example, men are more likely to face issues with substance abuse if they have an anxiety disorder. More broadly, men are less likely to seek treatment for a mental health condition, and as such, more likely to take their own lives by suicide.
On top of their overall experiences, men and women also tend to show different symptoms. For example, men with anxiety disorders tend to express more anger and aggression when facing an issue like anxiety. They are also more likely to try and cope through drug and alcohol abuse. As male figures with a ton of societal expectations riding on top of them, men are also more likely to experience strained relationships with friends and family as a result of an anxiety disorder.
Common Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders in Men
Emotional Symptoms of Anxiety:
- Constant feelings of dread or impending doom
- Frequent worry or fear, often without explicable cause
- Avoidance of certain situations, places, things, or people
- Difficulty concentrating and retaining information
- Catastrophic thinking or negative thought patterns
- Overreactions to situations
- Irritability and anger
- Persistent feeling of being “on edge”
- Uncontrollable or obsessive thoughts
- Fear of losing control
- Absentmindedness
- Paranoia
- Extreme stress
- Sudden and extreme mood swings
- Low self-esteem
Physical Symptoms of Anxiety:
- Increased heart rate or palpitations
- Shortness of breath
- Excessive sweating
- Headaches
- Chest pains
- Muscle tension and body aches
- Frequent restlessness
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Panic attacks
- Nausea
Behavioral Symptoms of Anxiety:
- Frequent outbursts of anger
- Violent and risk-taking behaviors
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Changes in eating or hygiene habits
- Abusing drugs and/or alcohol to cope with symptoms
- Avoidance of social situations
Different Types of Anxiety Disorders in Men
There are many types of anxiety disorders. Some of the ones most commonly affecting men include:
- Social anxiety disorder (SAD): An overwhelming and persistent fear of social situations, out of fear of being judged, embarrassed, or humiliated.
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): Chronic, excessive worry about multiple aspects of daily life (work, health, finances) that is difficult to control.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, PTSD is characterized by flashbacks, avoidance, hyperarousal, and negative mood shifts.
- Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD): Marked by intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions), aimed at reducing anxiety caused by those thoughts.
- Panic disorder: Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks, which are intense episodes of fear or discomfort. Accompanied by persistent concern about having more attacks or their implications.
Anxiety Treatment for Men
Anxiety disorders typically require professional treatment. Left unaddressed, other issues can develop, including substance use disorders (commonly called addiction), depression, other anxiety disorders, as well as insomnia, chronic health conditions, and even suicide. For men, getting professional help can make an incredible difference in their overall health, well-being, and satisfaction in life.
Anxiety disorders are typically treated with a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Everyone’s treatment plan is unique to their needs and experiences, but this blend is typically recommended to help them manage their symptoms and triggers long-term. In particular, a mental health treatment program that offers Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a great option for young men—showing them how to recognize negative thought patterns, behaviors, and situations that lead to their feelings of anxiety, fear, and dread. Turnbridge, a recognized mental health treatment provider, offers this level of care through a highly personalized and evidence-based model.
If you’d like to speak with a mental health specialist about your loved one’s anxiety symptoms, or look into getting help, we are here for you. Turnbridge has dedicated programs for young men battling anxiety disorders, depression, suicidal thoughts, and other mental health conditions. Call us at 877-581-1793 to speak to a professional today.