Anxiety

About one in five men experience anxiety during their lives. Anxiety and depression can coexist, and some of the symptoms can overlap.

SYMPTOMS

1. Worrying

2. Irritability

3. Avoidance

4. Catastrophic thinking

5. Racing heart

6. Panic attacks

7. Tense muscles

8. Insomnia

9. Shortness of breath

10. Agitation or anger

11. Poor concentration

12. Turning to alcohol or other drugs to ease the symptoms

SOCIAL ANXIETY

Social anxiety is the most common form of anxiety in teenagers and younger men. It is characterized by:

1. Fear of being judged

2. Fear of embarrassment

3. Fear of strangers

4. Avoidance of crowded situations

5. Avoidance of public speaking

6. Avoidance of social situations

CAUSES

Like depression, there can be a genetic predisposition to anxiety disorders. In other cases, anxiety may arise from troubling life circumstances, or an enduring pattern of anxious thoughts.

DO I HAVE TO TAKE PILLS TO TREAT ANXIETY?

No, not necessarily. Although there are medications to help treat anxiety, sometimes it can be treated through mindfulness, physical exercise, breathing exercises, and talk therapy.