Anxiety disorders are one of the most common mental health conditions in the United States, affecting over 40 million adults each year. While anxiety can affect anyone, research shows that women are twice as likely to develop an anxiety disorder compared to men. However, anxiety is still a significant issue for men. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, around 19% of adult men will experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their lifetime.
Anxiety manifests itself differently in men compared to women. Social expectations and gender roles often prevent men from openly discussing their anxiety, leading many to suffer in silence. Untreated anxiety in men is associated with conditions like depression, substance abuse, and suicide. It’s important to understand the unique ways anxiety affects men in order to provide better treatment and support.
How does anxiety present in men?
Men and women tend to experience anxiety in different ways:
| Women | Men |
|---|---|
| Feelings of nervousness and worry | Irritability or aggression |
| Fatigue and lethargy | Restlessness and agitation |
| Difficulty concentrating | Difficulty concentrating |
| Physical symptoms like muscle tension | Physical sensations like rapid heart rate |
While women tend to feel anxiety more emotionally and physically, men often experience anxiety through aggression, irritability, and restlessness. Men may pace, have trouble sitting still, or even engage in risk-taking behaviors when anxious. Instead of expressing worries verbally like women, men are socialized to exhibit anxiety through action.
Men are also more likely to experience anxiety physically. They may complain of headaches, digestive issues, rapid heart rate, sweating, and dizziness when anxious. The physical symptoms can sometimes mask the underlying anxiety, leading men to think something medical is wrong rather than a mental health issue.
Why do men experience anxiety differently?
There are several reasons why anxiety manifests differently in men:
Socialization: Boys are often taught from a young age to be “tough” and not show vulnerability or emotion. Showing anxiety goes against social concepts of masculinity. This causes many men to hide anxiety outwardly.
Stigma: There is greater stigma around mental health conditions for men. Admitting anxiety or seeking help may be viewed as “weak.” The stigma prevents men from opening up about inner worries.
Communication differences: Women use more emotive language to describe feelings. Men communicate through action, so anxiety comes out through agitation, substance use, anger, etc.
Physiological differences: Men’s fight-or-flight response is triggered more easily, leading to more physical symptoms of anxiety like a racing heart or sweating. The physical symptoms can overshadow the emotional ones.
Less support: Men are less likely to have a strong social support network to discuss mental health challenges openly. Isolation prevents men from recognizing anxiety.
How does untreated anxiety affect men?
When left untreated, anxiety can have significant consequences for men’s health:
Depression: Men suffering from chronic anxiety are at least 2-3 times more likely to develop depression. Anxiety and depression have a cyclical relationship, exacerbating each other over time.
Substance abuse: Men may turn to drugs, alcohol, or prescription medications to self-medicate anxiety symptoms and cope on their own. Up to 45% of men with an untreated anxiety disorder also suffer from substance abuse.
Suicide: Anxiety puts men at higher risk for suicide. Men account for over 75% of all suicide deaths in the U.S. annually. It’sestimated up to 90% of people who attempt suicide experience mental health issues like anxiety, depression or substance abuse.
Relationship problems: The interpersonal effects of anxiety such as anger, irritability, withdrawal from others can negatively impact men’s relationships with friends, family and romantic partners.
Other mental health disorders: If not addressed early, anxiety can lead to the development of other conditions like PTSD, OCD, panic disorder, phobias, and bipolar disorder later in life.
Barriers to treatment
While anxiety disorders are highly treatable, very few men seek out mental health support. Some key barriers prevent men from getting adequate treatment:
Stigma: Cultural messages that men should “man up” and not ask for help stops many from pursuing treatment. Men fear judgment or embarrassment.
Minimizing symptoms: Men are more likely to dismiss anxiety symptoms as physical issues versus mental health problems. Many don’t recognize the need for psychiatric help.
Lack of social support: Male friends and family members may also minimize symptoms and tell men to “get over it” on their own instead of seeking professional care.
Gender bias in diagnosis: Doctors are more likely to diagnose women with anxiety and depression, while men are more often misdiagnosed or undiagnosed despite reporting similar symptoms.
Access barriers: Men are less likely to have a primary care provider, reducing opportunities for anxiety screening. Once diagnosed, men also face long wait times for mental health specialists.
Effective treatments for men
The key to managing anxiety in men is increasing awareness and early intervention. When identified and treated properly, anxiety in men responds very well to treatment. Some effective therapies include:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is short-term, goal-focused therapy that gives men coping skills and strategies to change negative thought patterns that contribute to anxiety. It is highly effective at reducing anxiety symptoms long-term.
Exposure therapy: Also known as systematic desensitization, this therapy gradually exposes the patient to anxiety-inducing stimuli in a safe, controlled way. It helps men learn to tolerate anxious feelings without avoidance or escape.
Group therapy: Support groups allow men to share personal experiences and insights about anxiety with other men. Reducing isolation and stigma helps improve outcomes.
Mindfulness practices: Meditation, mindful breathing, and grounding techniques help men manage anxiety physically and emotionally in the moment when it occurs. Yoga can also reduce anxiety.
Medication: SSRIs, SNRIs, benzodiazepines may be used short-term in combination with therapy to provide anxiety symptom relief in men.
The most effective approach is often a combination of therapy, lifestyle changes like exercise, and medications if necessary. Getting male friends and family involved also helps men feel supported in seeking help.
Conclusion
While it may manifest differently than in women, anxiety in men requires equal recognition and timely treatment. Failure to identify and address anxiety early in men has significant consequences – from depression and substance abuse to relationship conflicts and suicide. Challenging outdated social stigmas and making mental health resources more accessible are key to helping men cope with anxiety disorders effectively. With proper diagnosis and a personalized treatment approach, the majority of men with anxiety can achieve full remission of symptoms and avoid negative outcomes.