Men Suffering From Anxiety Need Compassion Too

Anxiety, as defined by Oxford Languages, is a feeling of worry, nervousness or unease, typically regarding an impending event or uncertain result. 

Whether it’s making a difficult decision, waiting for test results, or stepping outside your comfort zone, everyone knows what it’s like to feel apprehension.

But if that feeling of unease continuously creeps into your life, it’s a problem. 

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, more than 40 million adults suffer from anxiety disorders, making it the most prevalent mental health concern in the United States.

Most people realize that anxiety is a serious issue that must be addressed, but anxiety in men is often overlooked.

Ask any man if they have felt anxious and you will likely receive an ambiguous response.

You may be wondering, “Why would men deny feeling anxious?”

Men are often ignored and judged if they complain, ask for help or simply mention they are suffering from anxiety.

Traditional masculinity paints a picture of a strong, stoic and self-sufficient man who doesn’t shed tears, struggle with indecision or wrestle with mental hardships.  

The movies, video games and media that men consume often showcase them with strong physiques and unwavering assertiveness, successfully slaying dungeons and dragons and saving damsels in distress.

So when life gets difficult and the bullets of worry, stress and uncertainty pervade into their psyche, most don’t have a safe space to take refuge and voice their concerns. 

In a poll conducted by Priory, a private addiction rehab and mental health hospital, 77 percent of men polled experienced mental health symptoms such as anxiety, stress or depression. 

More than 40 percent said they have never spoken to anyone about their mental health and another 29 percent admitted to being ‘too embarrassed’ to speak about it. 

I see anxiety as an old friend that visits every now and then. 

It’s there, buckled up in the passenger seat whenever I turn on my car due to a traumatic experience that happened to me more than two years ago. It haunts and affects my confidence when I drive. 

We have made strides about mental health conversations in the last three decades. People are more comfortable talking about mental disorders on social media platforms and virtual communities. 

But the struggle to open up about anxiety continues, especially for men.

Speaking up about mental health will always be difficult because it forces you to unpack intimate and painful thoughts, beliefs and memories with profound roots. 

However, that doesn’t mean we should give up. We need to show respect and support for those who suffer from anxiety because community support is key to working through anxiety. 

Look for counseling, reach out to a friend and find coping strategies to help you open up.

We might not achieve a perfect society, but we can improve our communication and understanding.