Why So Many Men Struggle in Silence
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health issues men face, but it often goes unnoticed — or unspoken. At my Denver practice, I see many men who say things like, “I wouldn’t say I have anxiety, I’m just tense all the time,” or “I can’t shut my brain off.”
For many men, anxiety doesn’t always show up as worry or panic. It can look like irritability, restlessness, overworking, or even physical tension. You might find yourself lying awake at night replaying conversations, grinding through endless to-do lists, or feeling on edge without knowing why.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone — and it’s not a sign of weakness. Anxiety is your mind and body’s way of saying it’s been running in overdrive for too long. The good news? It’s also treatable.
Why Men Experience Anxiety Differently
Cultural expectations play a big role in how men experience — and hide — anxiety. From a young age, many men are taught to stay in control, avoid vulnerability, and “push through” discomfort. When anxiety shows up, it can feel like a threat to that sense of control.
Instead of expressing fear or worry, many men channel anxiety into action: staying busy, working harder, or focusing on productivity. While that might help in the short term, it often masks what’s really happening underneath. Over time, that constant drive can turn into exhaustion, irritability, and burnout.
Some men also experience anxiety more physically than emotionally — tightness in the chest, headaches, racing heart, or trouble focusing. These symptoms can be confusing if you don’t recognize them as signs of stress.
Common Triggers of Anxiety in Men
Anxiety can come from many sources, but some themes show up often in my work with men here in Denver’s Highlands neighborhood:
- Work and performance pressure: The drive to succeed or provide can lead to chronic stress and fear of failure.
- Relationship struggles: Anxiety can grow from communication issues, disconnection, or fear of conflict.
- Major life transitions: Career changes, becoming a father, or aging can all stir uncertainty.
- Unprocessed trauma: Past experiences — even ones that seem “in the past” — can keep the body and mind stuck in alert mode.
Identifying your triggers is the first step toward managing anxiety effectively.
How Therapy Helps Men Manage Anxiety
Therapy isn’t about “fixing” anxiety; it’s about learning how to work with it. At my practice, I help men build awareness of their anxiety patterns and develop strategies to manage them in real time.
We often use evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and EMDR to reduce anxious thoughts and calm the body’s stress response. You’ll learn how to recognize early signs of anxiety, challenge unhelpful thinking, and practice tools that help you stay grounded.
For many men, the first step is simply learning how to slow down enough to notice what’s happening internally — without judgment. Over time, therapy helps you build a new relationship with anxiety, one where it no longer runs the show.
Practical Ways to Reduce Anxiety Day-to-Day
While therapy offers deeper healing, there are steps you can start using now to manage anxiety more effectively:
- Focus on your breath. Simple breathing exercises can calm your nervous system and bring your attention back to the present.
- Limit overwork. Staying busy isn’t always the answer — create time to rest and decompress.
- Move your body. Exercise helps release endorphins and regulate mood.
- Connect with others. Isolation fuels anxiety. Reach out to a friend, mentor, or therapist.
- Cut down on stimulants. Too much caffeine, alcohol, or screen time can worsen anxiety symptoms.
You Don’t Have to Handle Anxiety Alone
Anxiety doesn’t mean you’re weak — it means you’re human. You don’t have to push through it silently or figure it out on your own. Therapy offers a confidential, judgment-free space to unpack what’s driving your anxiety and learn effective ways to manage it.
At my practice in Denver’s Highlands neighborhood, I specialize in working with men who want to feel calmer, more confident, and more in control of their lives. Whether you’re dealing with stress, panic, or constant overthinking, anxiety therapy can help.
This year, make your mental health a priority. If anxiety has been taking too much space in your life, let’s start changing that — one step at a time.
