by Darrin Pfannenstiel, J.D., M.Ed., LPC-A | Therapist - Men, Women, and Couples

Welcome to the first installment of "Navigating Anxiety: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding, Managing, and Overcoming Anxiety." Anxiety is a common mental health condition that can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. While it's normal to experience feelings of anxiety from time to time, for some people, anxiety can become a chronic and debilitating condition that impacts all areas of life. Through this series, I will guide you through the different aspects of anxiety and provide you with the tools and resources you need to manage your symptoms and improve your overall well-being.

In this first post, we'll take a closer look at how anxiety might manifest differently between men and women.

First, it’s important to know that women are more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety disorders than men. This may be due to a variety of factors, including hormonal differences, societal expectations, and cultural biases. For instance, women are often more willing to be emotionally expressive than men. So, whereas women may show their anxiety, men may be stuffing their feelings and trying to mask the anxiety, making it go undiagnosed.

When it comes to how we experience anxiety, men may be more likely to experience physical symptoms of anxiety, such as muscle tension, digestive issues, and headaches whereas women may be more likely to experience emotional symptoms of anxiety, such as worry, fear, and negative thoughts.

Men may be more likely to engage in avoidance behaviors when experiencing anxiety. This can include avoiding social situations, work-related tasks, or situations that trigger anxiety. Women may be more likely to seek support and engage in coping behaviors, such as talking to friends or family, practicing self-care, or seeking therapy.

When it comes to seeking help, it is a sad reality that men may be less likely to seek help for anxiety due to societal expectations of masculinity. Specifically, men are often socialized to be self-sufficient and independent, which can make it difficult for them to seek help for emotional issues like anxiety. Women, on the other hand, may be more likely to seek help and support from others. In fact, women may often me the catalyst for helping the men in their lives to seek help by their own encouragement. For instance, most of my male clients who experience anxiety sought therapy at the encouragement of a female partner or friend.

As we’ve explored, anxiety can manifest differently in men and women. While women may be more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety disorders and experience emotional symptoms, men may be more likely to experience physical symptoms and engage in avoidance behaviors. Additionally, societal expectations of masculinity can make it difficult for men to seek help for anxiety. Regardless of gender, seeking therapy can be a powerful tool for managing anxiety and improving overall well-being. If you're struggling with anxiety, don't hesitate to seek help.

At Eros Counseling, I specialize in helping men, women, and couples overcome issues relating to anxiety — especially as it relates to their relationships and work. Let me guide you through the process of learning how to use the energy behind anxiety to transform it into helping you reach your goals.

Ready to begin? Contact me today to schedule a 15 minute consultation. Starting your journey toward a calm, centered life today!