Anxiety orders are common among adults living in the United States.
But how does the modern man handle anxiety? If you look at the findings of the National Institute on Mental Health, not well.
Many mental illnesses affect both men and women however men may be less likely to talk about their feelings and seek help. Some men with depression or an anxiety disorder hide their emotions and may appear to be angry or aggressive. Some men may turn to drugs or alcohol to try to cope with their emotional issues. – National Institute on Mental Health(1)
I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder. I am on three different medications to combat anxiety, and I also walk to help alleviate these symptoms. Before I began receiving treatment, I turned to drugs and alcohol to cover up my symptoms, which in itself, caused a lot more problems in functioning. After receiving treatment and being instilled with coping mechanisms from a counselor, I am able to function fairly well day to day, without the use of drugs or alcohol.
Here are some common symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder. (GAD)
“People with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) display excessive anxiety or worry, most days for at least 6 months, about a number of things such as personal health, work, social interactions, and everyday routine life circumstances. The fear and anxiety can cause significant problems in areas of their life, such as social interactions, school, and work.
Generalized anxiety disorder symptoms include:
Feeling restless, wound-up, or on-edge
Being easily fatigued
Having difficulty concentrating; mind going blank
Being irritable
Having muscle tension
Difficulty controlling feelings of worry
Having sleep problems, such as difficulty falling or staying asleep, restlessness, or unsatisfying sleep”
If you think that you or a close one has GAD, I recommend trying to start a conversation with them (if safe) especially if they seem to be using substances to what seems like just to be around people.
I considered myself to be a social drinker for years until I realized I was just incredibly anxious in social situations. The problem was, that alcohol was making me sicker, not helping me. Prescription medications and in-depth counseling can provide a balanced approach to help alleviate anxiety problems, and help the modern man obtain better relationships, both with himself and with others.
Let me say, that having and working through anxiety is certainly not, “Unmanly” as its one of the hardest things to do. If any of this article sounds familiar, I urge you to reach out.
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Adam Levon Brown is an internationally published poet in 14 countries. He is the author of twelve poetry books. He identifies as Neurodivergent and Queer. He has had his work translated in Spanish, Albanian, Arabic, and Afrikaans. .
Brown is founder, owner, and editor-in-chief of Madness Muse Press LLC, a literary publishing press dedicated to enacting social change through the power of writing.
