Anxiety affects one in five Australian men at some point in their lives. However, the condition remains highly stigmatized, misunderstood, and underdiagnosed. Research has shown that young men are more likely to turn to ambulance services when their symptoms become overwhelming.
In Australia, men are around half as likely to be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder compared to women. This can lead to a lack of understanding and support for those struggling with anxiety. Boys are often raised to value courage and strength, which can make it difficult for them to express emotions or seek help when needed.
Young men’s anxiety presentations at ambulance services have increased, with 10% of male ambulances now attributed to mental health concerns. These presentations often involve sudden onset of intense bodily symptoms resembling a heart attack, severe anxiety triggered by substance use, or mental health deterioration with self-harm and suicidal thoughts.
The lack of understanding and support for men’s anxiety can lead to a range of negative consequences. Men are more likely to turn to alcohol and drugs to cope with their anxiety, which can increase the risk of male suicide. Additionally, men’s anxiety remains in the shadows, despite having significant health impacts.
To address this issue, experts recommend ramping up conversations about men’s anxiety, developing awareness campaigns, improving diagnosis of men’s anxiety disorders, and creating accessible pathways for early support. By taking these steps, we can reduce stigma and improve mental health outcomes for Australian men.
Source: https://studyfinds.org/heart-attack-panic-attack-why-young-men-calling-ambulances-anxiety