A lot of men keep their cards close to their chests, and there are many issues they don’t talk about often. And it’s important to encourage men to open up, as bottling things inside can lead to mental health issues. We can start by taking note of these hidden anxieties men rarely talk about.
Financial stability is often the biggest worry of men
Concerns about earning enough to support themselves and their families eat away at a lot of men. Maintaining financial security is often a core value of men, and the National Institutes of Health says that financial strains play a big role in mental health.
Men have anxiety about career success
Climbing the career ladder is a big deal for many men. Anxiety about job performance, promotions, and achieving professional goals can be all-consuming. Not only do men worry about the financial benefits of their careers, but they also worry about the position they hold and how it makes them look.
Emotional expression is a fear of men
A lot of men fear being judged or perceived as weak for expressing emotions or vulnerability. This is one of the biggest reasons why they keep things in and struggle to communicate their feelings. They often know they need to express themselves but get anxious about the reaction.
Men have body image issues too
It’s a common misconception that only women have body image issues. Insecurities about physical appearance and fitness also impact men. They feel a need to live up to the societal standards of masculinity, and many men lack confidence in this department. The BBC says that 48% of men struggle with body image.
Relationship expectations cause a lot of anxiety
Men often worry about meeting their partners’ expectations and maintaining a healthy relationship. Relationships are often difficult to navigate, and men have their worries, too. They often feel pressure to move things along quickly and feel anxious about expectations to propose or have children.
Anxiety surrounds parenting
We’re all just winging the parenthood thing, but that doesn’t stop the anxiety creeping in. While there is less societal pressure on dads than there is on moms, men experience a lot of anxiety surrounding fatherhood, with doubts about being a good father and providing the best for their children.
Men are anxious about aging
Men are thought to age well, but that doesn’t reduce fears about losing vitality, health, and attractiveness as they grow older. Men are just as anxious about getting older as women are; the difference is that there is a lot less stigma attached to a man’s age.
Mental health causes anxiety
It’s only in recent years that more men have felt comfortable talking about their mental health issues. For a long time, there has been a stigma associated with seeking help, most prominently for men. A lot of men still feel anxiety around discussing their mental health, but this is getting a lot better.
Social status is a big deal
Psych Central says that the male ego is influenced by societal norms, which means that men are often concerned about their social status. Many men crave social acceptance, and they often have anxiety surrounding peer comparison and fitting into societal norms.
Providing for a family is a big concern
Men feel a lot of pressure to be the primary breadwinner and are anxious about the responsibility that comes with it. In a relationship, it shouldn’t always be assumed that he is going to be the primary earner and an open, honest discussion needs to happen about familial roles.
Men struggle with a work-life balance
Men struggle to balance professional responsibilities with personal and family life. The pressure to provide financially means that men often sacrifice family life. However, this then causes issues at home, and it often seems like there is no ideal balance.
Personal achievements are a source of anxiety
Feeling inadequate for not achieving personal goals or milestones is a source of anxiety for men. They often have big life goals and worry that they may struggle to meet them. Many men say that this is what keeps them awake at night, but it also holds them back from actually achieving.
A lot of men worry about competence
Doubts about their abilities and skills in various aspects of life can often consume a man’s thoughts. It is often automatically assumed that a man is competent in certain departments, and they worry about failing. They often compare themselves to other men and experience confidence knocks as a result.
Sexual performance is a common worry of men
Many men put on a front of being confident in the bedroom, but in reality, a lot of them experience anxiety over their sexual performance. They feel pressure to perform sexually and have concerns about satisfying their partner, especially in new relationships. Verywell Mind says that up to 25% of men have performance anxiety.
Men are anxious about loneliness
Recent research shows that men feel lonelier than ever. They often fear isolation and worry about not having meaningful connections or friendships. Only 27% say they have at least 6 close friends, half the number of 30 years ago. Loneliness is a leading factor in developing male depression.
Self-worth is a struggle for men
Many men have internal struggles with self-esteem and feeling valued or respected. Men are often very critical of themselves, which knocks both their ego and their confidence. When self-worth is low, anxiety is a common symptom, and they often worry about how the world will receive them.
Health is a male concern
Research shows that men are more concerned about their health than women. Worries about physical health, potential illnesses, and maintaining fitness are linked to increased numbers of heart disease, stroke, and Parkinson’s, which are all more common in men. They also feel greater pressure to show off their physical fitness.
Men worry about leaving a legacy
Concerns about the impact they will leave behind and being remembered positively is a surprising worry of men. Men are obsessed with leaving behind a legacy, and the awareness that hardly any of us leave behind anything worth remembering is a huge and unspoken source of anxiety.
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