What Does Anxiety Look Like in Men?
Many conditions present differently in men and women, and anxiety is one of these. Physical and psychological differences can affect how we perceive and react to threats, impacting our behavior. About one-third of people suffering from anxiety are men. Men may be more likely to show agitation or anger rather than overt signs of panic. Take a deeper look at anxiety in men by checking out the full article below.
Anxiety in Men
Roughly 31.1% of adults living in the U.S. suffer from some form of anxiety disorder within their lifetime, and about a third of them are men. Although women are about twice as likely to develop most forms of anxiety disorders, men are at equal risk for social anxiety disorder (SAD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
According to a Wall Street Journal report, men with panic disorders may appear irritable or act aggressively, rather than showing the signs more commonly associated with panic. This may be due to societal expectations and cultural constructs that tell us men must behave a certain way to hide potential signs of weakness. One study revealed that men and women internalize stress issues differently, which may lead to differences in how we perceive and handle threats.
Effects on Specific Behaviors
Men and women are often affected by anxiety in different ways. For example, men with SAD may present with a fear of dating. Male social anxiety sufferers may also have issues with impulse control, rule-breaking and poor attention span. Men with SAD are also more likely to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol.
Men suffering from OCD may have particularly anxious personalities that make them appear picky or detail-obsessed. When they have hoarding tendencies, they may be more likely than women to have overlapping social anxiety symptoms.
Men with agoraphobia may be less likely to depend on a “safe person” for outside activities and more likely to avoid being home alone. They may also tend to worry more about their health and may be more likely to concern themselves over the physical symptoms of their panic attacks.
Combatting Anxiety
Anxiety can be debilitating no matter how it manifests, but there are some steps that men and women alike can take to reduce their symptoms. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America recommends exercising regularly. Exercise releases feel-good endorphins, relieves tension in the body and can be physically empowering. Exercise may even be as effective in combating anxiety as taking prescription medications.
Practicing mindfulness is another great option. According to Anxiety.org, mindfulness includes meditation, yoga, tai chi and other practices that put an emphasis on body awareness and focused attention. Regular practice can shift the way those with anxiety approach stressful situations, keeping their thoughts in the moment and allowing them room to consider the situation instead of reacting to it.
Men may be less likely to succumb to anxiety disorders than women, but they aren’t immune. And even if their symptoms present a little differently, the effects can be just as profound. There’s no shame in experiencing anxiety. But it's uncommon for people to talk about it, so finding help is paramount to moving toward successful treatment. And of course, knowing the symptoms is the first step in knowing there is a problem and seeking treatment.
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