What’s Different About Anxiety in Men?

In recent decades, the conversation around mental health has expanded in significant ways, allowing for more open discussions about conditions that were once stigmatized. Despite these strides, anxiety, a disorder twice as common in women as in men, still presents a unique set of challenges when it comes to diagnosis, treatment, and public perception. 

Dr. Oluranti Adepoju and our anxiety specialists at Revive Holistic Psychiatry in Weymouth, Massachusetts, understand the complexities of male anxiety and provide a roadmap for those who are navigating its turbulent waters.

June is Men’s Health Month. In recognition of this period dedicated to addressing the unique health challenges faced by men and boys, we explore why anxiety is different for males and how various treatments support them in their mental health journeys.

Understanding anxiety in men

The stereotype of the “strong, silent type” persists, potentially leading men to downplay their mental health struggles or express them in ways that differ from the classic symptoms associated with anxiety. 

“Manly” anxiety symptoms

Anxiety often manifests differently in men than in women. 

While women tend to exhibit more internalizing symptoms — think excessive worrying — men are more likely to externalize their distress. This can take the form of irritability, anger, or a higher prevalence of substance abuse. 

A recent National Institutes of Health study suggests that doctors might overlook these symptoms, attributing them to other causes.

The cultural barrier to men’s mental health

Traditional notions of masculinity can act as barriers to men seeking help for anxiety. Stereotypes dictate that men should be strong and self-reliant, attributes that run counter to the very nature of anxiety, which often necessitates vulnerability and reaching out for support. 

It’s essential to dismantle these stereotypes to encourage more men to seek the help they deserve.

What causes anxiety in men?

Understanding the root causes of anxiety in men requires a look at an array of contributing factors. 

Broadly speaking, life stress — stemming from tumultuous relationships, career uncertainty, financial pressures, past traumas, and health worries — plays a significant role in the development of anxiety. 

Men, particularly as they age, might experience anxiety related to shifts in hormone levels. Research supports the connection between low testosterone and heightened anxiety symptoms, noting a correlation between increased anxiety and declining testosterone levels in men.

Men also tend to have less emotionally supportive relationships and a smaller vocabulary for expressing complex emotions compared to women. This lack of emotional expression and support can contribute to the severity and complexity of managing anxiety. 

Additionally, men are more inclined toward substance use as a coping mechanism, particularly in scenarios involving social anxiety. The reliance on alcohol or other substances not only serves as a temporary escape from distress but can also exacerbate anxiety symptoms, creating a cyclical problem that further complicates treatment and management.

Holistic psychiatry: A comprehensive approach

Holistic psychiatry embodies an “all of the above” treatment strategy that addresses your mind, body, and spirit. It recognizes that anxiety doesn’t operate in a vacuum. It can be influenced and compounded by physical health, such as cardiovascular issues, sleep disturbances, and substance abuse. 

Anxiety medication for men

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are often the first-line pharmaceutical treatments. 

Benzodiazepines are a class of anxiolytics that can quickly reduce anxiety levels; however, due to their potential for dependency and withdrawal issues, their use is generally limited to short-term management or specific situations where other medications have not been effective. 

We understand if you’re concerned about the side effects of anxiety medications, especially if you’ve heard that some can lead to sexual issues. Don’t worry; we monitor your symptoms and reactions to manage these effects and explore alternative medications or treatments when necessary.

Supplements for anxiety: What works?

Nutritional supplements and herbal remedies are becoming increasingly popular as complementary tools for managing anxiety. 

Omega-3 fatty acids, specifically the type found in fish oil, have demonstrated consistent results in reducing anxiety symptoms, particularly in men. 

Additionally, certain amino acids can have calming effects without the sedative properties of many pharmaceuticals.

Regulation and quality control of supplements can be inconsistent, though, making it crucial to work with our Revive Holistic Psychiatry professionals before integrating a new supplement into an anxiety management plan. While supplements generally have fewer side effects than pharmaceuticals, they can still interact with other medications or conditions, so beware.

Psychotherapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), group therapy, and other talk therapies help men understand and manage their anxiety. For example, CBT focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns, and group therapy offers support from like-minded people. These guided sessions can ease your mind, lower your stress, and restore your life.

This Men’s Health Month, focus on your mind. Call Revive Holistic Psychiatry, or request an appointment online.