Anxiety is one of the most common mental health conditions worldwide, affecting millions of people across all demographics. However, when it comes to men, anxiety often takes a silent and misunderstood toll. In Australia, the prevalence of anxiety among men is significant, with alarming statistics pointing to the need for greater awareness and support. While societal expectations around masculinity might push men to hide their vulnerabilities, the impact of anxiety on their mental and physical health can be profound and life-altering.

The Scope of Anxiety Among Australian Men

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing (2020-2022), anxiety disorders were the most common form of mental illness in Australia, with over 3.3 million Australians (13.3% of the population) experiencing anxiety disorders in the 12 months preceding the survey¹. Men are far from immune to this issue. In fact, 1 in 5 Australian men will experience anxiety at some point in their live ².

Anxiety can manifest in many ways, including physical symptoms like increased heart rate, muscle tension, and digestive issues. These physical manifestations can often mask the underlying mental health issue, leading many men to attribute their symptoms to stress or overwork rather than anxiety itself.

Men aged 16-35 are most at risk for anxiety, as they face a variety of pressures, including academic and career challenges, financial concerns, social and relationship expectations, body image issues, mental health stigma, life transitions, and the pervasive influence of social media, all of which can contribute to heightened anxiety during this critical stage of life. The combination of these stressors and the reluctance to seek help can create a perfect storm, with anxiety going untreated and potentially escalating into more severe mental health concerns.

Emotional and Behavioural Impact

Anxiety can affect every aspect of a man’s life, from work performance to relationships. Men may experience anxiety as³:

• Irritability and restlessness: Anxiety often leaves men feeling constantly on edge, which can lead to tension and irritability, particularly in high-pressure situations.
• Anger or frustration: Rather than expressing fear or worry, men may exhibit anxiety through anger or aggression, which can strain relationships and further isolate them from potential sources of support.
• Substance use: To cope with anxiety, men may turn to alcohol, drugs, or other substances as a way of masking their feelings.

Left untreated, anxiety can spiral into more serious mental health issues. According to Beyond Blue, anxiety and depression are closely linked, with many men experiencing both conditions simultaneously⁴. This is particularly dangerous, as untreated anxiety and depression can contribute to higher suicide rates among men.

The Physical Toll of Anxiety

Chronic anxiety can take a significant toll on the body. Common physical symptoms include⁵:

• Sleep disturbances: Men with anxiety often suffer from insomnia or restless nights, leaving them exhausted and less able to cope with stress.
• Cardiovascular issues: The stress hormones triggered by anxiety can raise blood pressure and contribute to heart disease.
• Digestive problems: Anxiety can cause nausea, diarrhoea, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), further compounding physical discomfort.

These physical symptoms can exacerbate anxiety, creating a vicious cycle that makes it increasingly difficult to function day-to-day.

The Reluctance to Seek Help

One of the most troubling aspects of anxiety in men is their reluctance to seek help. Societal expectations around masculinity often encourage men to “tough it out,” leading many to delay or avoid seeking the support they need. This reluctance is reflected in national statistics: in 2021, men accounted for 75% of suicide deaths in Australia, with anxiety and depression being significant contributing factors⁶.

The stigma around mental health in men is a significant barrier to early intervention, making it all the more critical to raise awareness about the signs and symptoms of anxiety and promote open conversations about mental health.

Breaking the Stigma and Seeking Support

The good news is that anxiety is treatable, and there are numerous resources available to help men manage their mental health. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), mindfulness techniques, and lifestyle changes such as exercise and a balanced diet can all help reduce anxiety symptoms. In more severe cases, medication may be necessary.

The most important step is recognising when anxiety is affecting your life and seeking professional support. Your GP can provide a referral to a mental health specialist and work with you to develop a treatment plan.

Organisations like the Black Dog Institute, Beyond Blue, and MensLine Australia offer excellent resources tailored to men’s mental health, providing education, self-help tools, and connections to professional services. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or need immediate assistance, reaching out to a crisis support service could be a crucial step in finding relief.

Call to Action: Support Services Available

If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. There are numerous support services available, and it’s important to take that first step:

• Speak to your GP: They can help assess your situation and connect you with the right mental health resources.
• Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14 – Available 24/7 for crisis support and suicide prevention.
• MensLine Australia: 1300 78 99 78 – A dedicated service for men offering support, information, and referral services for mental health concerns.
• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 – Providing information and support for anxiety, depression, and suicide prevention.
• Black Dog Institute: Resources and support for managing anxiety and mental health conditions.
• Mental Health Foundation: 1300 643 287 – Offering help and guidance for those facing mental health challenges.

Conclusion

Anxiety affects Australian men in ways that are often overlooked, but recognising the signs and understanding its impact is the first step toward healing. Whether it’s reaching out to a mental health professional, confiding in a trusted friend, or utilising online resources from the Black Dog Institute and Beyond Blue, breaking the silence around men’s mental health is crucial.

If you’re struggling with anxiety, please don’t suffer in silence. Speak with your GP about your concerns—they can help you find the right treatment plan. With the right support, it’s possible to regain control and lead a fulfilling, anxiety-free life.

Crisis support: available 24 hours, 7 days
Organisation	About	Telephone number	Website
Lifeline	Provides access to crisis support and suicide prevention services.	13 11 14	lifeline.org.au
Suicide Call Back Service	Provides immediate telephone counselling and support in a crisis.	1300 659 467	suicidecallbackservice.org.au
Beyond Blue	Supporting people affected by anxiety, depression and suicide.	1300 224 636	beyondblue.org.au
MensLine Australia	Telephone and online support, information and referral service for men with concerns about family and relationships, mental health, anger management, family violence (using and experiencing), substance abuse and wellbeing. The service is available from anywhere in Australia and is staffed by professional counsellors, experienced in men’s issues.	1300 789 978	mensline.org.au
Kids Helpline	Telephone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25.	1800 551 800	kidshelpline.com.au
ReachOut	Online mental health service for under-25s and their parents.		au.reachout.com
National Alcohol and Other Drugs Hotline	Hotline for anyone affected by alcohol or other drugs. Support includes counselling, advice and referral to local services.	1800 250 015
Family Drug Support	Help for individuals and families dealing with drug and alcohol use. Also provide support groups, education programs, counselling and bereavement services for families.	1300 368 186	fds.org.au
1800RESPECT	National domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support service.	1800 737 732	1800respect.org.au
13YARN	Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis support line for people feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping.	13 92 76	13yarn.org.au
StandBy – Support After Suicide	Australia’s leading suicide postvention programs dedicated to assisting people and communities bereaved or impacted by suicide, including individuals, families, friends, witnesses, first responders and service providers.	1300 727 247	standbysupport.com.au

By opening up the conversation and encouraging men to seek help, we can reduce the stigma and ensure more Australian men receive the care they need.