Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder in Men

Anxiety is a common human emotion characterised by feelings of worry, nervousness, or unease. If you are a man, it can sometimes feel embarrassing or difficult to admit you feel anxiety. There can be a pressure to ‘be strong’, ‘be resilient’. However anxiety affects everyone, men included. While it’s a normal part of life, excessive and persistent anxiety can develop into an anxiety disorder. This condition can significantly impact a person’s daily life, relationships, and overall well-being. In this article we will look at symptoms of anxiety disorder in men. I help people reduce anxiety. I use hypnotherapy in London and online. Get in touch to found out more about sessions.

When it comes to symptoms of anxiety disorder in men, it is important to recognise that anxiety can sometimes manifest differently in men compared to women. While the core symptoms are similar, certain manifestations may be more prevalent in the male population. I see with male clients for hypnotherapy that sometimes symptoms are indeed different.

Common Anxiety Symptoms:

Physical symptoms: Rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle tension, headaches, digestive issues.
Emotional symptoms: Constant worry, restlessness, irritability, difficulty concentrating, feeling on edge, fear of losing control.

While the core symptoms of anxiety are similar for both men and women, there are specific symptoms of anxiety disorder in men. Understanding these differences is crucial for accurate understanding of your anxiety and for effective treatment.

Common Anxiety Symptoms in Men

Physical Symptoms:

Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
Excessive sweating
Trembling or shaking
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fatigue or exhaustion
Muscle tension or aches
Digestive problems (e.g., diarrhoea, constipation, acid reflux)
Frequent urination, often at night
Headaches or dizziness

Emotional Symptoms:

Persistent worry or nervousness
Restlessness or feeling on edge
Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank
Irritability or impatience
Feeling overwhelmed or out of control
Fear of losing control or going crazy
Avoidance of social situations or activities

Unique Symptoms in Men

Internalised Emotions: We see that symptoms of anxiety disorder in men can be more ‘internal’. Men often tend to suppress their emotions or bottle them up. This can lead to physical manifestations of anxiety. These physical symptoms can feel overwhelming or very uncomfortable.
Somatic complaints: Physical symptoms like headaches, back pain, or digestive issues can be more prominent in men.
Difficulty expressing feelings: Men may struggle to communicate their emotional distress openly.
Anger and Aggression: Anxiety can sometimes present as anger or irritability in men.
Outbursts: Men might experience sudden and intense emotional explosions. So symptoms of anxiety disorder in men can show up in angry outbursts, lose of temper, relationship breakdown.
Conflict: Increased tension and arguments in relationships.
Substance Abuse: As a coping mechanism, some men may turn to alcohol or drugs to self-medicate anxiety symptoms. Often as men feel shame around mental health issues, they are more reluctant to share with others. This can lead to drug or alcohol usage.
Dependence: Developing a reliance on substances to manage anxiety.
Risk-Taking Behaviours: Some men engage in risky behaviours as a way to alleviate anxiety.
Adrenaline-seeking activities: Engaging in extreme sports or reckless driving.
Impulsive decisions: Making hasty choices without considering consequences.
Social Withdrawal: Anxiety can lead to social isolation in men.
Decreased social interactions: Avoiding social gatherings or events. When a man seems moody. This might be a retreating from interactions as an anxiety or stress coping technique.
Loneliness: Feeling disconnected from others and experiencing a sense of emptiness.

It’s important to note that these symptoms are not exclusive to men, and individuals, be that men or women, may experience a combination of symptoms. If you or someone you know is experiencing persistent anxiety, it is essential to seek professional help for evaluation and treatment. I provide hypnotherapy and coaching for anxiety. Anxiety is one of the main reasons people get in touch to book hypnotherapy. Maybe I can help you too.

NLP and hypnotherapy for symptoms of anxiety disorder in men

NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) and hypnotherapy offer effective approaches to managing anxiety. These modalities focus on understanding and modifying thought patterns, emotions, and behaviours to promote relaxation and resilience.

How NLP and Hypnotherapy Can Help:

Identifying and challenging negative thought patterns: NLP can help you recognize and replace unhelpful thinking habits with more positive and realistic perspectives. With clients, this is something we focus on a lot. Anxiety is a feeling. However those feelings are rooted in unhelpful thoughts.
Accessing the subconscious mind: Hypnotherapy for anxiety allows you to gain access to your subconscious mind, where many anxiety-related beliefs and emotions reside.
Developing relaxation techniques: Both NLP and hypnotherapy incorporate relaxation techniques to help manage physical symptoms of anxiety and promote overall well-being. How to relax when feeling panic or anxiety is often something I help clients with.
Building resilience: By strengthening coping mechanisms and self-esteem, these approaches empower individuals to face challenges with greater confidence.

If you’re a man struggling with anxiety, there is no shame in reaching out for help. As a London hypnotherapist, I see men frequently who feel they need support with anxiety. Seeking help is often an important step towards recovery. NLP and hypnotherapy can provide valuable tools to manage symptoms, improve your overall well-being, and regain control of your life. If your anxiety symptoms feel out of control, it may also be wise to contact your GP as well.