What Stress Symptoms in Men Look Like, According to Experts

Learn about how to identify and cope with stress symptoms in men.

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Everyone experiences stress, but there are so many factors that can affect what causes stress and how a person processes it. Men, in particular, face very specific societal ideas about how they should behave and what they should provide — creating a potential for tremendous stress.

Social stigmas around men sharing their feelings can also make managing stress in daily life more challenging. Chronic stress symptoms in men can materialize without any awareness or sense that help is available. But stress management is very possible for men. A critical part is becoming aware of what a stress symptom looks like and how they can cope — sometimes with the help of a medical professional. Read on to learn about stress symptoms in men and how to treat them.

Mental health conditions and stress

Let’s start off with a more general cause. Individuals of any gender can experience stress as a result of mental health conditions and symptoms. “When someone has chronic, untreated mental health conditions, this can often lead to ongoing physiological stress responses,” says Charlie Health Licensed Creative Arts Therapist Courtney Way, MA, LCAT. “Trauma history and unresolved grief can also contribute to persistent stress or an increase in symptoms of stress.”

According to Charlie Health Group Facilitator Chris Hinton, MS, M.Ed., LPC, CLC, CTP, stress can occur due to mental and behavioral health conditions such as:

1. Anxiety disorders

Conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder can cause someone to experience persistent worry and physical tension.

2. Depression

This condition can contribute to stress through rumination, low energy, and sleep disruption.

3. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

PTSD and other trauma-related disorders keep the nervous system hypervigilant, leading to ongoing physiological stress.

4. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Living with OCD can create distress through intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.

5. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

ADHD may increase stress due to difficulties with organization and time management.

6. Substance use disorders (SUDs)

Conditions such as alcohol use disorder (AUD) and opioid use disorder (OUD) can worsen stress by disrupting emotional regulation and overall functioning.

How societal norms impact men’s stress levels

No matter how much we’ve progressed, society still has a very clear idea of how men should act, think, feel, and express themselves. “Many societies socialize men to be self-reliant, financially successful, strong, and stoic, which can create pressure to suppress vulnerability and avoid seeking help when overwhelmed,” says Hinton. On top of all this, men might face an even greater stigma around getting mental health care, which can increase stress, says Way.

Stress symptoms in men

Stress is such a wide-ranging thing that there are so many different symptoms a person might experience. “Men often show different stress symptoms, both because of how they were socialized and because brain chemistry can vary,” says Way. Men tend to externalize their stress, which may manifest as irritability, anger, risk-taking, or withdrawal from others, the self, or the situation.” According to Hinton and Way, these symptoms of stress in men fall under three categories: emotional, physical, and behavioral.

Emotional symptoms

• Irritability or anger
• Mood swings
• Sense of numbness
• Cynicism
• Low motivation
• Difficulty concentrating
• Feeling overwhelmed

Physical symptoms

• Sleep problems or chronic fatigue
• Headaches
• Muscle tension
• High blood pressure
• Chest tightness
• Digestive issues or changes in appetite
• Lowered libido or sexual dysfunction 

Behavioral symptoms

• Increased alcohol or substance use
• Working excessively
• Taking excessive risks
• Social withdrawal
• Acting controlling or argumentative
• Loss of interest in hobbies

How men can reduce feelings of stress

Stress doesn’t need to exist as a permanent part of daily life. Yes, the idea of taking steps toward managing stress can feel, well, stressful. But there are many things men can do to lower their stress and improve their mental health.

1. Get moving

No, men don’t have to spend all their extra time at the gym. But, as is the case for anyone, taking the time to exercise, even something like a gentle walk, can reduce stress, says Way. They can also try things like yoga, stretching, and other mindful movements.

2. Practice mindfulness

Whether it’s meditation, slow breathing exercises, or daily reflection, practicing mindfulness can provide incredible relaxation techniques for lowering stress and your heart rate, says Hinton. A person might find that journaling gives them a sense of release, or that doing a morning meditation does. Whatever works best for them can help calm the nervous system and reduce stress.

3. Limit substance intake

Hinton recommends limiting alcohol and caffeine consumption if you’re dealing with stress. These substances can stand in the way — or worsen — the body’s response to regulating stress.

4. Set realistic expectations

Yes, some people still have a specific notion of what men should be and do. But that doesn’t mean you have to live that way. Set realistic expectations for yourself when it comes to work, finances, and more that align with what you can do, says Hinton. Lean on the other people in your life for guidance on balancing responsibilities without societal expectations.

5. Get support

Men might feel like there’s a lot of judgment around getting help, but there are so many people who would love to provide support. Loved ones, whether fellow men or otherwise, can be an incredible sounding board for talking through stressful situations, says Way. They can offer a safe space to openly discuss feelings and get advice.

How Charlie Health can help

If you’re struggling with an anxiety disorder, stress, or other mental health symptoms, Charlie Health is here to help. Charlie Health is a virtual behavioral health provider delivering high-acuity treatment for kids, teens, and adults facing serious mental health conditions and substance use disorders. Our innovative treatment model combines clinical expertise, group connection, and measurement-based care to support long-term healing. With the right support, managing your stress is possible. Fill out the form below to start healing today.