Chances are you don't realize the impact anxiety can have on guys. Studies continuously show that women are twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder – but that doesn't mean you're immune.
Researchers can't explain the causes of this disparity, but believe guys may feel pressured to exhibit anxious feelings in ways that seem more masculine.
'I think the biggest thing is men are socialised not to show anxiety,' said Carmen McLean, PhD, a researcher and clinical associate professor at Stanford University’s Department of Psychiatry. 'Socialising to show agency and self-efficiency dissuades from showing anxiety.'
This is one reason anxiety is often accompanied by substance abuse and other 'internalising disorders', said McLean. Sometimes these signs can be subtle, meaning it's especially important to recognise symptoms of anxiety disorders specific to males.
