Symptoms of Anxiety Attacks in Men

by May 7, 2023556 comments

As a man, you’re often told to “grow up”, “be a man”, or “rub some dirt on it” whenever you’re hurt no matter what the cause is. But not all things in life involve a quick fix like that. Cuts heal, bruises fade, and tears dry up, but sometimes, it isn’t always that easy to just slap a Band-Aid on it and call it a day.

Both men and women have the capability of having anxiety attacks. Let’s learn more about how anxiety impacts men compared to women. Here are three of the most common symptoms of anxiety attacks in men.

1. Anxious Men are More Likely to Be Angry

While more women are known to break down and cry when they’re dealing with anxiety, more men are likely to show signs of anger or aggression. Women are more likely to seek additional support from family, friends, coworkers, or mental health professionals.

Men are more likely to hide or bury how they’re really feeling due to the social stigma or fear associated with not being able to show or express their feelings. This means that a lot of men won’t actually deal with how they’re feeling. A lot of feelings may never be acknowledged, which means that the emotions will be built up over time.

Eventually, they’ll reach a breaking point. Cue the anger.

2. Men with Anxiety Can Experience Relationship Strain

Since most men have a difficult time expressing themselves and their emotions, even with loved ones like family or friends, they’re more likely to lean on their partners for support. Your partner should be there for you through the good times and the bad times.

If you’re constantly going to them when you’re anxious or stressed looking for quick advice or a solution to your problems, it may start to feel like more of a burden to your partner over time.

3. Anxious Men Tend to Cope in Unhealthy Ways

Men are more likely to use and abuse drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism than women. When men are feeling anxious, especially if they feel like they have no one to talk to about how they’re feeling, they may seek support in unhealthy ways like through substances.

While drugs or alcohol may seem like a quick fix to temporarily relieve or numb the signs and symptoms anxiety can bring, it’s not a long-term solution. In fact, drug and alcohol use and abuse can actually worsen the signs and symptoms over time.

Men may also seek a quick fix to their anxiety by gambling, driving recklessly, having unprotected sex, or spending hours at the gym. Addictive behaviors are common as a way to temporarily reduce or relieve the anxiety they may be facing.

4. Anxious Men Tend to Feel Insecure or Doubtful of Themselves and Their Abilities

Anxiety can bring on additional feelings of insecurity and low self-esteem. Due to these feelings, they may start to feel even more competitive in different areas of their life. They may start to compare themselves to their neighbors, coworkers, family members, friends, or even within their relationship.

Next Steps

No matter your gender or how you identify, help is available to you. You don’t have to show up and give 100% all of the time. Some days will be easier than others. Acknowledge how you’re feeling and allow yourself to feel.

Anxiety is a normal human emotion that anyone can experience. It isn’t someone that should make you feel like you no longer are in control of your own life. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness. In fact, it actually shows how strong you are. Reach out to us today if you’re interested in setting up a appointment.

Click here for more information on anxiety therapy.