If you’re a male asking: ‘I’m anxious, what should I do?”, this blog post might help you. Anxiety is a universal human experience, yet it often remains a silent struggle for many men. Outdated expectations that men should remain stoic in the face of adversity and that anything other than self-reliance is weakness make it difficult for men to admit that they are in need of some help. In this blog post, we aim to shed some light on men’s experience with anxiety, and what they should do.
Men and women experience anxiety just as often. However, men may display anxiety in different ways. While some men experience excessive worry and restlessness, others supress their anxiety so that it is comes out sideways in the form of anger, irritability or increased risky behaviours.
Stereotypes about what it means to be a man can discourage men from admitting that they feel anxious. Fear of appearing weak or as if they are unable to copy can lead men to hide their emotions, which in time exacerbates the issue, often leading to more significant mental health challenges.
Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Courage is needed to acknowledge your struggles and to ask for help. It is admirable to be self-aware and recognise that you need to see a counsellor. Mental Health Professionals can provide you with tools and help you develop skills to manage anxiety.
So, what should you do if you are anxious?
1 Be honest with yourself and admit that anxiety is effecting your every day life. Think about how it shows up. Make note of how it is effecting your work, your relationships and your wellbeing.
2 Reach out to your GP. This will be a confidential chat about what you are experiencing and the types of help you can access.
3 Consider seeing a counsellor for help in managing your feelings. Ebb and Flow Counselling is cheaper than the gapyou pay to a phsychologist with a mental health plan from your doctor. There is no waiting list, and you can have as many sessions as you need. For practical help, a counsellor is a great solution.
Addressing mental health issues such as anxiety can lead to a healthier life for you and those around you. Feeling confident will lead to enhanced relationships and the ability to engage in life more fully. So if you’re asking “I’m anxious – what should I do?”, these are great first steps to better mental health.
