Anxiety in Middle-Aged Men

Middle-age can be a difficult time in one’s life. Individuals may be working, looking after their children as well as their aging parents and may find it difficult to find time for themselves or their relationships. It is a time where people reflect on what they have achieved, and what they have failed to achieve. Hopes and dreams that seemed to light the way to a bright future as an adolescent can act as a stark reminder that life has worked out differently than we had planned.

It is at times like these, particularly for men, that anxiety can rear its ugly head. It is important to make proactive efforts to combat this, not only for your mental health but also your physical health. Research has shown that middle-aged men who suffer psychological distress, such as anxiety or depression are up to three times more likely to have a fatal stroke than middle-aged men who are not depressed or suffering anxiety. Likewise, there is an association between anxiety and depression, and therefore changes to the autonomic nervous system, which regulates the heart rate and the contraction of blood vessels. These changes could contribute to both strokes and heart attacks.

The above tells us that we cannot ignore the signs of psychological distress. Middle-aged men far too often hide, or ignore the signs of trouble. What is concerning and should be noted is that men often do not know the signs to look out for and may be too quick to dismiss serious anxiety or depression as being ‘just stressed’. In addition, men react differently than women when suffering from these types of illnesses. Even more problematic is the lack of reliable and engaging information available for anxiety sufferers.

Many professionals have pointed out that while people tend to understand the changes women go through in middle-age because it is made not only psychologically but also physically evident with the onset of menopause, men are often overlooked in middle-age. Dr Edmond C. Hallberg, a professor of counselor education at the California State University, explains this in his book ‘The Gray Itch: The Male Metapause Syndrome’. While this may be seen in men having breakdowns, acting differently or even having affairs, this is not the traditional route for anxiety. It can however be explained by men’s confusion and anxiety surrounding aging. This can manifest in maladaptive coping techniques like the behaviours described above.

In general however, anxiety for men is not unlike how it is for women. You may experience cognitive disruptions such as nervousness, anxiousness, fearfulness, irritability, impatience, or edginess. This will be exacerbated compared to what would normally be considered to be ‘rational’ or ‘normal’ in the given situation. This can hinder your day-to-day life, concentration and focus. Due to these disruptions, it can often be difficult for men to find solace in sleep or relaxation. This means that the sufferer may be sleep deprived, which can affect most, if not all, areas of daily functioning.

In addition to cognitive disturbances and sleep deprivation, men can suffer from exhaustion. Exhaustion can occur not only because of lack of sleep but also because of the emotional toll that the anxiety is placing on a man. An upset stomach or loss of appetite is also not uncommon when dealing with anxiety. For others, it can involve nausea or diarrhoea. Also of concern is that men may experience respiratory disturbances including a shortness of breath which can cause dizziness, light-headedness or even fainting.

What is important is that anxiety is a different experience for most sufferers. Not everyone has the same triggers or the same manifestations of their anxiety. In the case of middle-aged men it is important that what you (or a friend) is going through is not overlooked. If you don’t know where to start you can always call ADAVIC or have a look on our website which can direct you to some means of assistance. In addition to all that has been discussed in this newsletter and previous ones, it is important to understand and acknowledge that anxiety affects people of all sexes, ages and circumstances. There is no norm here, but taking steps in education and recovery are only ever beneficial to you and those surrounding you.

By Jess—ADAVIC Volunteer