Anxiety in Men Is Real - But Often Overlooked

Mar 27

Written By Dawid G

Anxiety doesn’t always look like panic attacks and spirals. For men, it can look like irritation. Overthinking. Chest tightness. Constant restlessness. Or feeling like you always need to be “on” and in control.

But here’s the reality: anxiety is one of the most common mental health conditions in Canada, and men across Toronto, Hamilton, and Ottawa are experiencing it every day—often without calling it what it is.

According to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), about 1 in 10 Canadians experience an anxiety disorder in any given year, but countless others suffer silently. And for men? Cultural expectations often keep us from speaking up or seeking help.

This article is for you—the high-functioning guy who’s tired, on edge, and wondering if this tension will ever let up. We’ll walk through how anxiety shows up in men, practical ways to manage it, and how virtual therapy from NuHu can offer real support, right here in Ontario.

What Anxiety Looks Like in Men

Let’s be real: most men are taught to bottle things up, stay stoic, and “push through.” So when anxiety shows up, we don’t always see it for what it is.

Here’s how anxiety often presents in men:

• Irritability or Anger – Snapping at your partner, coworkers, or even strangers for no obvious reason

• Restlessness – Feeling like you can’t sit still or ever fully relax

• Overthinking – Constant mental rehearsal, worst-case scenario planning, or obsessing over mistakes

• Sleep Issues – Trouble falling asleep or waking up wired at 3 AM with a racing mind

• Chest Tightness or Digestive Issues – The body keeps the score, and anxiety often shows up physically

• Avoidance – Canceling plans, procrastinating important tasks, or shutting down emotionally

If any of that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, men are statistically less likely to access mental health services—even when they’re struggling. And that’s not because they’re fine. It’s because they’ve been taught to hide it.

High-Functioning Anxiety: The Silent Pressure Cooker

Some men aren’t falling apart—they’re holding it together too well. That’s the trap of high-functioning anxiety.

You might be:

• Performing well at work

• Managing a family

• Hitting the gym or chasing goals …but underneath, you feel wired, tense, or like you’re barely holding things together. That’s anxiety too, and it’s exhausting.

How Anxiety Impacts Men’s Health and Relationships

Untreated anxiety doesn’t stay in one box. Over time, it bleeds into every area of life:

• Work Stress – Overanalyzing every email, procrastinating, or burning out from perfectionism

• Romantic Relationships – Emotional unavailability, conflict, avoidance, or overdependence

• Parenting – Short temper, guilt, or feeling like you’re never doing “enough”

• Physical Health – Headaches, stomach issues, jaw tension, high blood pressure, or chronic fatigue

The longer it goes untreated, the harder it becomes to cope in healthy ways. That’s why support matters—especially when things look “fine” on the outside.

5 Practical Tips to Manage Anxiety Day-to-Day

Here’s what you can start doing right now to take back some control:

1. Name What You’re Feeling

Anxiety thrives in vagueness. Get specific:

• “I’m not lazy—I’m overwhelmed.”

• “I’m not angry—I’m anxious about disappointing someone.”

Labeling the emotion accurately reduces its intensity. This is a skill you can build.

2. Use Tactical Breathing (Box Breathing Video Click Here)

Try this simple technique:

• Inhale for 4 seconds

• Hold for 4 seconds

• Exhale for 4 seconds

• Hold for 4 seconds

Repeat for a few minutes. Box breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system and calms the body. It’s even used by first responders and military personnel under stress.

3. Limit Caffeine and Alcohol

Both substances increase adrenaline and cortisol—the last thing you want when you’re anxious.

If you’re regularly drinking to “take the edge off” or relying on coffee to power through anxiety-related fatigue, take a week off and see how your body responds.

4. Focus on What You Can Control

Men often experience anxiety around responsibility, performance, and uncertainty. Make a habit of separating what’s in your control vs. what’s not.

Ask:

“What’s one thing I can do today to improve my situation?”

Then act on it—even if it’s small.

5. Talk to Someone Who Gets It

This one’s big. You don’t need to dump your emotions everywhere—but you do need someone who knows how to hold space for them.

That could be a friend, a mentor, or a therapist. If you’re not sure who to talk to, start with a consultation. It’s one conversation. And it can change everything.

How Therapy Helps Men Navigate Anxiety

At NuHu Therapy, we’ve worked with men of all ages and backgrounds—first-time dads, construction workers, consultants, entrepreneurs, athletes, and retirees. Different stories. Same weight.Therapy isn’t about overanalyzing—it’s about learning how to cope better, live lighter, and move forward.

Our therapists use:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – Helps reframe anxious thoughts and reduce spirals

• Mindfulness and Breathwork – Grounding strategies to calm your nervous system

• Solution-Focused Therapy – For men who prefer a direct, goal-driven approach

• Person-Centered Talk Therapy – You lead, we support—with no judgment or jargon

You’re the expert on your life. We’re just here to help you get unstuck.

Why Online Therapy Works (Especially for Men)

We get it—therapy can feel like a big step. That’s why NuHu Therapy is 100% online, private, and designed around your life.

Whether you’re in Toronto, Hamilton, Ottawa, or a rural Ontario town—you can meet with a registered therapist from the comfort of your home, car, or office.

✅ No referral needed

✅ Covered by most insurance providers

✅ Book your sessions around your schedule

Learn more about our online therapy services.