How Are Anxiety Attack Symptoms Different For Men?
Experiencing chronic anxiety is something that is completely normal and common. However, there seems to be a lot of stigma surrounding anxiety. Especially for men. For whatever reason, it is commonly believed that anxiety is a mental health concern of women only.
However, that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Growing up, men are taught to “just be a man,” “act strong,” and not talk about their feelings. From an early age, men are taught to invalidate their own personal feelings and thoughts as a way to comply with fake social constructs.
Men and women can both experience anxiety. How each gender experiences anxiety isn’t exactly the same. Let’s explore how men experience anxiety attacks.
How Are Anxiety Attack Symptoms Different For Men?
Anger & Anxiety Go Hand In Hand
Men who are anxious are more likely to be angrier than a woman. Women typically will cry or become highly upset when they are anxious.
Men, on the other hand, will be the polar opposite. In general, men are more likely to show signs of aggression when they are anxious and stressed out about something.
Men will also internalize their pain and suffering more. Instead of reaching out for support, they keep their feelings of anxiousness to themselves. A woman, on the opposite hand, will be more open to others about her struggles.
The result? The feelings that are being bottled up in a man are released – they are just exhibited through aggression and anger.
More Likely To Experience Relationship Strains
In general, men aren’t known to be open books when it comes to their feelings. Hence, why they bottle so much up inside.
Keeping things inside like this can cause a strain on romantic relationships. Men will also keep their feelings to themselves so as not to be seen as a burden to their partner. Which, in the long run, will just add to the tension in a relationship. Women on the opposite hand, are typically more outspoken about what they are going through or voicing their frustrations.
Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms
In general, men develop unhealthy coping mechanisms more often than women. When they are feeling anxious, they will be more likely to turn to substances such as alcohol or drugs to ease their worries.
These are temporary solutions to an ongoing problem. So while it might provide a momentary release, it won’t end up doing any good in the long run.
How To Cope With Anxiety
These are just the main ways that anxiety attack symptoms will differ in men than women. Even though there may be differences, the way you treat anxiety is the same for both genders.
There are a variety of ways that anxiety can be treated. It’s just a matter of finding what will work best for each individual person. Some of the top ways anxiety symptoms can be eased are through the following.
Journaling
Journaling is a fantastic way to release what you are feeling inside out into the world. You can journal on a piece of physical paper or quickly jot down notes on your phone, computer, or tablet.
Grounding & Breathing Techniques
Grounding techniques for anxiety are highly beneficial. They work by using your five senses to literally distract yourself from the anxious feelings inside. And using your own breath can calm your ‘nervous’ nervous system down,,
Grounding and Breathing Techniques can be easily found for free on platforms such as YouTube or your favorite music streaming service.
Counseling
Opening up to someone else about your problems as a man is anxiety-inducing in itself. However, there is nothing wrong to admit that as a man, you are struggling with your mental health.
Let’s connect soon so you can learn more about anxiety therapy.