How Anxiety Appears Differently in Men

Sep 10

One of the main issues we work with at Resilience Rising is anxiety. Through our experience and research evidence, we’ve seen that anxiety in men manifests in vastly different ways. We know of the societal expectations that keep men from addressing their emotional experiences, but the physiological and psychological underpinnings of anxiety in men can be unique. Understanding what’s happening within our bodies, our relationships, and our environments allows us to better navigate the ship of our life. It is important for men to check in with themselves because the signs and symptoms are different, and the symptoms themselves can be written off as anger or just stress. Here's a closer look at how anxiety might manifest in men physiologically and behaviorally.

1. Physical Signs

Muscle tension: Chronic muscle tension, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and back, is a common physical manifestation of anxiety in men. This tension often results from the body's heightened response to stress, driven by the release of stress hormones like cortisol (American Psychological Association, 2020).

Chest discomfort: Men may experience tightness or discomfort in the chest, which is often mistaken for heart issues. This is a well-known somatic symptom of anxiety, particularly when stress levels are high (Harvard Health Publishing, 2018).

Digestive issues: Anxiety can disrupt the gastrointestinal system, leading to symptoms like stomachaches, indigestion, or changes in bowel habits. These digestive issues are often exacerbated by stress (Johns Hopkins Medicine, 2020).

2. Emotional and Behavioral Indicators

Irritability: Anxiety in men often manifests as irritability or frustration, which can mask underlying stress and worry. This response is influenced by the body’s stress response, which can heighten the fight-or-flight reaction (National Institute of Mental Health, 2019).

Restlessness: A constant sense of unease or the inability to relax is a subtle yet persistent sign of anxiety. This restlessness is linked to elevated cortisol levels, which can keep the body in a state of heightened alertness (Mayo Clinic, 2020).

Difficulty concentrating: Anxiety can scatter focus, making it difficult to concentrate on tasks. This cognitive impairment is often linked to chronic stress affecting the brain’s prefrontal cortex, which plays a key role in attention and decision-making (National Institute of Mental Health, 2020).

3. How Men’s Bodies Respond Differently to Stress

HPA Axis: The HPA axis manages the body's response to stress by regulating cortisol, a key stress hormone. In men, the HPA axis typically reacts more intensely, leading to higher and more prolonged cortisol levels compared to women (Gur & Gur, 2016). This heightened response can contribute to physical symptoms like increased muscle tension, cardiovascular strain, and gastrointestinal issues.

Testosterone: This primary male sex hormone also interacts with the HPA axis to influence stress responses. While testosterone can dampen cortisol's effects, during chronic stress this buffering effect can be overwhelmed, leading to more aggressive or irritable behaviors often observed in anxious men (Davis et al., 2017).

High blood pressure: More common in men in response to stress, contributing to somatic symptoms like chest discomfort and headaches (American Psychological Association, 2020).

4. Avoidance Behaviors

Overworking: Some men immerse themselves in work to cope with anxiety, using productivity as a distraction from underlying stress. This behavior is driven by the body’s stress response, which encourages constant activity to avoid dealing with anxious thoughts (American Journal of Men's Health, 2019).

Substance use: Men might turn to alcohol or other substances as a way to manage anxiety, but this is an unhealthy coping mechanism that often exacerbates the underlying issue. Substance use can temporarily numb anxiety, but it generally worsens the body’s stress response over time (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2021).

Social withdrawal: Avoiding social interactions is another common behavior in men dealing with anxiety. This withdrawal can be exacerbated by chronic stress, which may reduce interest in socializing and increase feelings of isolation (Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 2020).

5. Reluctance to Acknowledge Anxiety

Minimizing feelings: Many men downplay their emotions, attributing anxiety to external factors like work stress or fatigue rather than acknowledging it as a psychological and physiological issue. This minimization is often reinforced by societal norms that discourage emotional vulnerability (Psychology Today, 2018).

Stoicism: Adopting a stoic demeanor can be a way to cope with anxiety, but it can also prevent men from addressing their mental health needs, leading to increased stress and potential health risks (Journal of Men’s Health, 2020).

Hesitation to seek help: Cultural pressures to be self-reliant can make it difficult for men to seek professional help for anxiety. This reluctance is often tied to the stigma surrounding mental health in men, which can prevent them from getting the support they need (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, 2019).

So, What’s Next?

Anxiety is a common yet largely unspoken experience for men, especially when society often pressures them to keep these feelings hidden. Forget a place to share, men aren’t sure where to turn simply for information. We know a lot of men aren’t dying to pour their heart out to someone. Sometimes we just want to be empowered with knowledge. We want to gain a greater understanding of what’s happening to us, to our minds and bodies. Then we can work toward solutions, toward a more regulated system and positive, sustainable change,

A therapist can help you navigate your experience of anxiety without it feeling like yet another responsibility. In a therapist, you have a teammate dedicated to your personal growth and wellbeing. In therapy, you have a confidential space to be fallible (and wildly successful, it really is possible). There are no deadlines to meet, no expectations except showing up. And even on the days when you can’t show up, your therapist will still have your back.