Males Have Anxiety & Depression Too

It is common for men to be seen as fearless and strong, the protectors and providers.

But, the reality is, that while men are all those things, it does not make them immune to the pressures and difficulties of life.

These attributes of strength and being fearless cannot hide the pressures of life which means that men are experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression.

We are all aware that this is a common issue among men, so the important thing is how to help them. How can we become fearless and strength for them and allow them a safe place to get the help they need?

Yes, it is normal, and healthy to have a good dose of anxiety. We will all experience anxiety and low times at one point or another as we go through life.

However, anxiety and depression become a problem when these emotions interfere with life. It can also be a problem when an individual is barely surviving their days and making it through with a very uncomfortable amount of anxiety.

It’s time to seek help.

Effective Treatments for Anxiety

The good news is that there are some very effective treatments for anxiety and depression. There are many tools and coping strategies that genuinely help men to overcome their anxiety, and learn to live their best life.

An excellent first step before learning these tools is to try to become more aware of what may be triggering the anxiety symptoms. Often, anxiety and depression are genetic traits that we inherit from our family tree; but, other times, there can be a specific cause for the symptoms.

Sometimes, anxiety and depression come as a result of trauma. A therapist can help with identifying the source or different thought patterns that may be contributing to the symptoms.

From there, they can offer the best tools to help individuals cope and move forward in life, functioning at a higher level.

Meeting with a therapist once a week may not be enough to help you manage your anxiety. You may need a more intensive outpatient program of healing from anxiety.

Not Sure if You Have Anxiety?

If you are unsure whether or not you, or someone you know, are experiencing anxiety and or depression, below is a list of the most common symptoms to watch for.

 

A Male’s anxiety experiences symptoms more in their body through illness, stomach issues, and muscle tension and pain. There is also a list of common thought patterns that people get caught up in that can also greatly contribute to the symptoms.

Becoming more aware of our thoughts and the things we tell ourselves can make a huge difference in how we feel overall. Becoming aware is also one of the first steps to overcoming anxiety and depression.  

General Anxiety (GAD) Symptoms

(There are many different types of anxiety: social anxiety, PTSD, OCD, and panic disorders.)

1. Difficulty sleeping
   (e.g. waking frequently during the night, trouble falling asleep, nightmares)
2. Irritability
3. Difficulty
   concentrating
4. Fatigue
5. Muscle tension
6. Stomachaches
7. Excessive sweating,
   particularly in the palms
8. Rapid heartbeat
9. Excessive worry
10. Substance abuse

Ten Most Common Depression Symptoms

1. Fatigue
2. Sleep Problems
3. General irritability
4. Inability to Concentrate
5. Anxiety
6. Alcoholism and drug use (or other forms of
   numbing emotion)
7. Feelings of loneliness
8. Suicidal thoughts
9. Trouble making decisions
10. General
    Stress

Read our other article about anxiety in teens.ale