Globally, every minute, a man dies by suicide. In United Kingdom, 75% of suicides are men.
Anxiety is stress response to stimuli, in small doses it can be super useful. It can give us a boost to meet a deadline, it can give us energy to run, the stress response is there for a reason.
However, anxiety occurs when we have this same response to an unnecessary stimuli and if we experience the symptoms often or for long period of time it can and will take its toll on our health.
Anxiety can affect all in different way, from panic, to rage, to exhaustion in a matter of minutes. How our anxiety manifests can be dependent on a number of factors from situation to emotions and triggers.
However, what is the same is that anyone can suffer from anxiety, whether male or female. One of the main differences is how we deal with those feelings.
Men are generally more likely to self medicate that women, whether that be a few extra pints down the pub or stronger substances. They are also less likely to talk about it, toxic masculinity and years of being told not to show feelings and to man up has created even more of a stigma. So how can we start to address anxiety for chaps?
Here a just a few ways that anyone can help alleviate the symptoms of anxiety.
Exercise
Exercise is a great way to help with stress. Physical exercise causes the release of endorphins in the body, also known as the happy hormones they can help lift your mood and feel less stressed.
Mindfulness
Taking a moment out of your day to breathe and reset is a great way of reminding your body and mind that everything is ok. If you haven’t tried mindfulness before there are lots of fantastic apps like headspace that can help you get in to great new habits.
Sleep
Sleep is essential for health and well being. Good sleep habits can not only help with stress levels but also the problems associated with it. Story time isn’t just for the children, the app Calm has great evening stories for adults that can help you turn off your brain, and get some quality shut eye.
Another way to counteract the symptoms of anxiety, talk about it.
Talking to a friend, colleague, coach or counsellor can be a great way of relieving stress. It can be easy to bottle things up and try not to let it get to you. By talking it through in most cases you are also able to talk through and find a solution to the problem along with getting support, you may even find that they have experienced the same stressor!
This November Movember wants us to talk about anxiety more!
Whether it’s a friend or a stranger, one to one session or a group coaching or therapy session. Talking about how we feel not only makes us feel better, but it can help others.
I’m so happy that more recently I’ve been seeing a lot of male clients and I feel proud that they have been courageous enough to reach out to ask for help and to talk to me or someone else. So, this November take a minute to ask a mate how they are, to see what they’re up to and maybe share your own experiences. You never know what conversation you can be with “how are you?”
To find out more about working with me or to find out how RTT can help you tackle anxiety contact me now!