Understanding the Impact of Anxiety on Men
Wednesday Wisdom
Anxiety can manifest itself in various ways, affecting individuals from all walks of life. However, when it comes to men, the conversation around mental health, especially anxiety, is shadowed by silence and stigma.
Men, conditioned by societal norms, are often expected to embody strength, stoicism, and resilience. As a result, many find it challenging to acknowledge and address their struggles with anxiety. Instead of seeking support, they may attempt to suppress their emotions, leading to a buildup of stress and tension.
One of the ways anxiety manifests in men is through physical symptoms such as muscle tension, headaches, and digestive issues. These physical manifestations often go unnoticed or are dismissed as mere inconveniences, exacerbating the underlying anxiety.
Anxiety can also manifest in behavioral changes, including irritability, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating. These changes can strain personal and professional relationships.
Untreated anxiety can have long-term consequences for men's mental health. It can lead to feelings of isolation, low self-esteem, and even depression if left unchecked. The reluctance to seek help may prevent men from accessing the resources and support they need to address anxiety effectively.
Breaking the cycle of silence and stigma surrounding men's mental health is crucial in addressing the impact of anxiety.
Many men are encouraged to be more vulnerable and talk about their experiences. This advice isn't always helpful.
The concept of men emoting and sharing to ease anxiety is a feminine approach. Generally speaking, women are wired to share, while men are wired to solve.
When men cannot find the solution (to relieve anxiety) they are likely to suppress their anxious feelings and focus on something in their control, like their career. This can lead to friction between their professional and personal life.
Men and women have different needs when it comes to dealing with anxiety.
While there are tools that I encourage everyone to adopt: meditation, breathework, visualization, and other nervous system drills, we cannot ignore the differences between men and women when it comes to mental health and emotional well-being.
As a society...
We ask men to be vulnerable and then punish them when they show weakness.
We ask men to share their feelings and get turned off by their tears.
Which leads men to suppress their inner pain and suffer in silence.
For men, sharing and expressing emotions doesn't address the root of the anxiety. We need to take a different approach.
The men I work with bear a strong burden of performance. They suffer from overthinking. Much of their worth is attached to their achievements. Overwhelmed by work stress they tend to withdraw when conflict arises at home. Many of my clients have spent their lives trying to earn their value, and are longing to feel a sense of relief and peace.
Is this you?
You feel the weight of the world on your shoulders and find yourself lying awake at night ruminating on past events or worrying about the future.
You avoid uncomfortable conversations at home because you are mentally and emotionally exhausted.
You are checked out of your relationship or your personal life is in shambles.
I invite you to join me on March 27th at 5:00 p.m. CT for a free workshop: Growth Over Silence.
This is a Workshop for Men ready to break the stigma, communicate their struggles, and access the support they deserve.
We are going to break down the difference between masculine and feminine vulnerability, learn how to express your struggles while maintaining your frame, and calm your mind when anxiety sets in.
You matter.
It’s time to prioritize your mental health.
This event will be a live Zoom and the replay will be sent out after to everyone signed up.
Get the Zoom Link & Replay: subscribe below
Add Workshop to your calendar HERE.
If you know a man who needs this, please share this post with him.