Common Anxiety Symptoms and Why They May Look Different in Men
- Bright Light Counseling Center
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Anxiety is something that can affect anyone, but it often manifests in different ways, depending on the person. While it may look similar across many individuals, there are unique signs that show up more commonly in men. In this article, we will break down common anxiety symptoms and explore why men may experience anxiety differently.
The Usual Signs of Anxiety
Anxiety can feel overwhelming, and it often shows up physically and emotionally. The common symptoms include:
Increased Heart Rate: Your heart may race, and you might feel as though you cannot catch your breath. This physical response is part of the body’s natural “fight or flight” reaction.
Excessive Worry: You may feel an uncontrollable need to overthink or worry about things that seem minor or out of your control.
Sleeping Issues: Anxiety often disrupts your sleep, leading to tossing and turning or waking up throughout the night.
Muscle Tension or Headaches: Anxiety can make your body tense, which can lead to sore muscles, jaw clenching, or frequent headaches.
While these symptoms are common across many people with anxiety, the way they show up in men can be different.
How Anxiety Looks Different in Men
Anxiety does not always appear the same in men as it does in women. This is not because men feel less anxious, but because the way they express or cope with anxiety can vary.
Anger and Irritability
Men are often socialized to suppress vulnerable emotions like sadness or fear. As a result, anxiety may manifest as frustration, anger, or irritability. Instead of talking about feeling anxious, a man might get angry or agitated, especially in situations that trigger stress or worry.
Avoidance Behavior
Men with anxiety may avoid situations that trigger their feelings of stress. This avoidance could look like skipping social events, neglecting responsibilities, or isolating themselves. The goal is often to escape the discomfort that anxiety brings.
Physical Symptoms
Men tend to show anxiety more through physical symptoms, like stomachaches, back pain, or trouble breathing. These symptoms might get overlooked or misinterpreted as something purely physical when, in fact, they are anxiety-related.
Substance Use
Anxiety in men may sometimes lead to turning to substances like alcohol or drugs as a coping mechanism. This is a way to self-medicate or temporarily numb the anxiety, though it can make the problem worse in the long run.
Cognitive Distortions
Men may have the tendency to experience anxiety in ways that distort their thinking. For example, they might think that if one thing goes wrong, everything will collapse. They may expect the worst in situations, which can make anxiety even harder to manage.
Understanding and Addressing Anxiety in Men
Understanding that anxiety can show up in different ways in men is the first step in offering support. If you notice signs of anxiety in the men around you, it is essential to recognize the problem and approach it with empathy and care. These signs may manifest through physical symptoms, emotional outbursts, or even avoidance.
Encouraging open communication can help. Let them know that it is okay to talk about their feelings and that seeking professional help, such as therapy, is a healthy way to address their anxiety. Techniques like mindfulness, deep breathing, and exercise are effective tools that can help manage anxiety, but the most important step is acknowledging the issue and beginning the healing process.
If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety, reaching out for support can make all the difference. Our therapists are here to help you navigate these challenges and develop strategies to manage anxiety in a healthy and constructive way. Contact our practice today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward feeling better.
Disclaimer: Our content is on and related to the topic of mental health. The content is general information that may or may not apply to you. The content is not a substitute for professional services. This website does not contain professional advice, nor is any professional-client relationship established with you through your use of this website.
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