Gender plays a vital role in how anxiety should be approached therapeutically. When it comes to anxiety in men, treatment approaches differ immensely.
This does not mean men battle more anxiety than women. It means that men and women deal with their anxiety in different ways and methods. This is due to the genetic, chemical, mental, and reactionary differences experienced by each gender.
Causes of Anxiety in Men
There are many similar causes of male anxiety as there are in women. However, the following causes of male anxiety can be processed and dealt with very differently.
Hereditary and Genetic Causes
If men in your family have a history of anxiety, it may be a male-dominant trait specific to your genetics. It can also mean dealing with stress is a more difficult task. Anxiety treatment provides training techniques and coping methods to help you deal with these battles proactively. Learning your family history and about the struggles of people in your family can properly equip you (and your therapist) with important information for a personalized approach to your anxiety.
Job-Related Pressures or Anxieties
Work schedules and tasks can present several stressors for both men and women. But men tend to put an enormous amount of pressure on themselves to perform. This can be due to an overwhelming workload, performance problems, hectic schedules, or other similar work-related problems. Stress-management techniques from a trained professional can help you handle these stressors in a positive and productive way.
Social Expectations
There’s an unfair stigma tied to men in terms of seeking mental and emotional support. Societal prejudice can sometimes assume it is a “man’s job” to be strong during trying and stressful times. If a man fails to live up to this sexist expectation (or feels he is failing to live up to them), social pressure can manifest high anxiety levels.
Traumatic Experiences
Emotional, physical, or mental traumas are a common cause of anxiety in men. These traumas may consist of near-death experiences, physical abuse, or other difficult life experiences. Unfortunately, many individuals with anxiety stemming from trauma may not realize they suffer from an anxiety disorder. If you have experienced adult or childhood trauma, seek professional help to begin your healing journey.
Health Concerns
Physical health concerns can be a big contributor to stress and anxiety. Pre-existing health problems or the worry of acquiring health conditions (whether founded or unfounded) are common stressors. If a health concern caused by anxiety is superficial, it also may be indicative of a pre-existent mental disorder known as hypochondriasis (illness anxiety disorder). Treating the hypochondria can have trickle-down effects of subsiding related fears, anxiety, and stresses.
Lifestyle Choices
A chosen way of life can put added emotional and mental stress on a man’s life. The decisions we make and the lives we lead can induce lifestyle demands that conflict with one’s emotional state. Thankfully, these are alterable changes. But, like healing from addiction, it can be easier said than done. Destructive lifestyle decisions can become second nature. It may be helpful to analyze how thoughts and beliefs may influence actions, a big aim of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
Common Anxiety Disorders Among Men
Men can sometimes be more susceptible to certain behavioral and personality disorders than women. The most common disorders among men include:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder, or GAD for short, is a condition in which the sufferer experiences regular and repetitive bouts of anxiety. This condition is characterized by daily anxiety that disrupts daily life and tasks, as well as your relationships. If left untreated, GAD can expand into greater anxiety issues and progress into other serious mental health disorders.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by involuntary repetitive actions, behaviors, or thought patterns. These patterns create a repetitive loop or habit that causes a compulsion beyond the individual’s control. Depending on the behavior or action, this can be physically harmful to the sufferer and those around them. These thought patterns can onset at any moment without notice and can be exceedingly disruptive.
Social Anxiety
Men have similar struggles with social anxiety as women, but it can manifest in different ways. Some men can become uncharacteristically reclusive in a group or social setting due to social anxiety. Others may face excess aggression from their friends in regards to peer pressure. The pressure to indulge in drugs, alcohol, or other social activities may be present. The very thought of these experiences can cause mental and emotional strain that manifests itself in different ways.
What are Signs and Expressions of Anxiety in Men?
Anxiety in men can manifest in very specific behaviors and cues. Please note that these are not universal indicators, and everybody can express anxiety in different ways. However, it’s advisable to take action if you observe or experience the following symptoms and signs of anxiety:
Men may acquire substance use disorders as a coping mechanism for anxiety or stress disorders. But substance abuse and addiction can further contribute to overall stress. Addiction may exacerbate anxiety over time.
Being quick to anger or easily irritated can be a very common sign of anxiety. People with less stress and lower anxiety levels tend to be more patient, as opposed to individuals with high levels of anxiety. They may be more susceptible to expressing anger, or lashing out at minor infractions.
Anxiety in men can manifest itself in complete social isolation. They may isolate themselves from even their closest friends and relatives. This may be a coping mechanism for high anxiety levels. But social seclusion is one of the most unhealthy methods of coping with anxiety. Retreating from social obligations often has the opposite effect, and can exacerbate anxiety and stress. Despite how it may feel, this is often when men need their friends and family most.
Stress can become so emotionally taxing that men can begin to express little or no care about most things in life. This can even be the case for activities or interests in which they expressed interest. This can be a serious red flag for someone experiencing depression. If you notice indifference or disinterest in yourself or someone else, it’s important to get help.
How to Support Men with Anxiety
Helping someone can be a delicate situation, and there is a fine line between helping someone with anxiety and being overbearing. You don’t want to overwhelm them, as this could exacerbate their stress. But it’s possible to provide support by practicing self-care and being a helpful resource for them.
Exhibit Patience
One of the most important services a person can provide to a person with anxiety is patience. Many people make the mistake of expressing frustration and negative emotions about the person’s anxiety-driven behaviors. This can make things worse, and may incite shame in the person with anxiety. Patience can be very calming to anxiety sufferers, and may help them open up about their experiences.
Express That You’re There for Them
One of the most anxiety-relieving thoughts is knowing you’re not alone, especially when dealing with isolation-promoting disorders like anxiety. Most people with anxiety want someone to let them vent and help relieve the emotional and mental pressure. Simply reassuring someone with anxiety and letting them know that you’re there to listen and support them can be a great help. Express this during their struggles, and follow through by being a supportive presence in their time of need.
Spend Time with Them
Being supportive of someone with anxiety often means spending quality time with them and doing activities to get their mind off their anxiety. You can propose going out, or stay in with them to provide a solid presence. Being present can silence their inner fear that their anxiety makes them “not good enough” to be around people.
Receive the Support You Need at Eagle Creek Recovery
Healing from anxiety in healthy ways can begin at Eagle Creek Recovery. We understand the challenges of anxiety, and how it can often intersect with addiction to make for a difficult situation with no clear solution. Our dual diagnosis experts can help you develop healthy coping skills that work against your anxiety without encouraging healthy addiction.
We’re ready to help you heal, from the inside out. Contact us today to learn more.
Clinical Director
Kendall Maloof is the clinical director at Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist and has held multiple leadership roles before settling here at Eagle Creek. Kendall received her master’s degree in marriage and family therapy from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2016. Her career in mental and behavioral health began in 2014 when she took up internships in both the nonprofit and for profit sectors. She interned at multiple reputable companies, such as The Living Success Center and 449 Recovery in California.
In 2019, Kendall became the clinical director of Sunsets Recovery for Woman, a dual diagnosis program in southern California. Kendall is a natural leader. She has an incredible ability to problem solve and stay calm in any situation. Kendall never fails to show up when she is needed, and her calm demeanor makes her team and clients feel at ease. Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery is proud to have Kendall as our clinical director.
