The Anxiety Symptoms Men Often Miss

Chances are you don’t realize the impact anxiety can have on guys. Studies continuously show that women are twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder – but that doesn’t mean you’re immune.

Researchers can’t explain the causes of this disparity, but believe guys may feel pressured to exhibit anxious feelings in ways that seem more masculine.

‘I think the biggest thing is men are socialised not to show anxiety,’ said Carmen McLean, PhD, a researcher and clinical associate professor at Stanford University’s Department of Psychiatry. ‘Socialising to show agency and self-efficiency dissuades from showing anxiety.’

This is one reason anxiety is often accompanied by substance abuse and other ‘internalising disorders’, said McLean. Sometimes these signs can be subtle, meaning it’s especially important to recognise symptoms of anxiety disorders specific to males.

Some clues – nervousness, dread over impending danger and rapid breathing – are common across gender lines, but these five manifestations of anxiety disproportionately impact men.

1/ Anxious Men Fear Dating

Men with social anxiety disorder are more likely to fear dating and are more commonly single, separated or divorced, according to an analysis of survey information from Columbia University.

‘Men are supposed to take the lead in dating,’ explained Stefan G. Hofmann, PhD and psychology professor at Boston University who researches anxiety. ‘The male is the one who is expected to take the first step. That puts them in a performance situation.’

Even in the age of apps, men are typically the pursuer. On OkCupid, males are three times more likely to send a first message in an opposite-sex exchange. This means constantly offering yourself up for evaluation and rejection – an anxiety-inducing prospect.

‘It’s a challenge for people who don’t like to play that game,’ said Hofman.

Plus, some agonise over being chronically single – with reason – David Ezell, clinical director of Darien Wellness, a psychology clinic in Connecticut, told Men’s Health.

‘Men really benefit from marriage,’ Ezell said. ‘They’re less likely to be sick. They’re less likely to be hospitalised. They’re hospitalised for shorter stays if they are hospitalised.’

Also, marriage is a status symbol, a sign of ‘maturation’, said Ezell.

With so much at risk, dating and bachelorhood are significant sources of stress in men with anxiety.

2/ Anxious Men May Abuse Alcohol and Drugs

Men drink and use drugs to relieve anxiety more often than women, according to the same Columbia University study. Research has consistently shown a link between substance abuse and mental health disorders, particularly in men.

Credit: Menshealth