Anxiety disorders in men are one of the most overlooked mental conditions that men suffer from.
It doesn’t help that, even in the twenty-first century, with all of the advancements our society has made towards mental health care, men still experience stigmas within their families and cultures that prevent them from seeking treatment.
The signs, symptoms and causes of anxiety can be different for men than women, making the disorder sometimes difficult to pinpoint (as many people are more accustomed to how anxiety surfaces in women, which is not always the same in men).
In this article, we’re going to discuss anxiety disorders in men and the ways in which they’re affected.
Causes of anxiety disorders in men
Anxiety disorders in men can be caused by a variety of factors, including work stress, traumatic events, challenging family dynamics, unhealthy relationships and more. It can also be exacerbated by existing medical conditions such as diabetes, hormonal imbalances, gut and thyroid issues.
Common anxiety disorders
There are five major types of anxiety disorders, and men can experience all of them.
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by constant excessive worry, stress and anxiety about everyday events.
Social anxiety disorder (SAD) results in men experience the stress and anxiety on such an intense level that it prevents them from functioning.
Panic disorder is marked by “random” episodes that are filled with overwhelming anxiety in addition to often physical symptoms such as chest pain and shortness of breath.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that results after a traumatic event; this disorder can occur after experiences like a car accident, natural disaster, unexpected or violent death of a loved one and war or combat.
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) causes an individual to experience recurring (typically unwanted) thoughts and impulses that are so powerful it drives them to indulge the compulsions in attempt to stop the thoughts.
Ways anxiety disorders affect men
Anxiety disorders primarily affect men between the ages of 15–29, but it’s important to remember this age range is simply a representation of the majority of cases, not all. There are both boys under 15 and men older than 29 who suffer from an anxiety disorder, and need to be taken just as seriously and treated as carefully as if they were within the common demographic.
Some of the ways that anxiety disorders affect men include increased substance consumption of drugs and alcohol; struggling in their romantic and familial relationships; being unable to perform everyday tasks due to access fear or worry; inability to concentrate or focus.
Symptoms of anxiety disorders
While many people commonly associate anxiety with feelings of nervousness, symptoms of this disorder can transcend far more than jittery feelings. Symptoms of anxiety can manifest both as physical and emotional ailments, so we’re going to give you some examples of both so you know what to look for in your loved ones.
Physical symptoms of anxiety in men:
- Headaches and migraines
- Panic attacks and dizziness
- Insomnia
- Excessive sweating
- Shortness of breath or a choking sensation
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Sexual dysfunction
Emotional symptoms of anxiety in men:
- Frequent feelings of dread or worry
- Catastrophic thinking
- Difficulty concentrating and absentmindedness
- Constant fear of losing control
- Irritability and anger
- Excessive fear about dangers
- Overly negative thoughts
When left untreated, anxiety can be a painful and even debilitating condition to live with, which is why it’s important to seek professional help when you need it.
Reach out for support
If you or someone you love is struggling with an anxiety disorder, reach out to us today.
Silvermist Recovery is a premier treatment center that specializes in treating behavioral and mental health conditions. We are committed to providing you with the perfect setting for a transformative recovery and helping you every step of the way of your healing journey.
We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all method, which is why our mental health and behavioral programs are highly individualized and tailored to your unique needs and goals. Our unique, person-focused approach to treatment is one of the many reasons our clients experience long-term success in their recovery.
To speak with one of our intake specialists and learn more about our programs and which one is the best fit for you, send us a message or call us today at 724-268-4858.