Spot early signs of anxiety in men and get evidence-based tools to calm it – straight-talk from psychologist James Wightman in Brookvale on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.

“I’m just a bit stressed, mate”

You’re catching up with the boys; schooner in hand, chicken schnitty within reach. Anxiety can ambush you anywhere: right before bed, stuck in traffic, queueing for coffee… or right here in the pub. Out of nowhere your stomach ﬂips, heart pounds, and a sweaty ﬁlm forms on your palms. You shrug it off – just nerves, too much coffee, big week at work. Ten minutes later your brain is running the dreaded “what-ifs” while everyone else debates the umpire.

Bloke-friendly examples ahead, but these anxiety red ﬂags are universal. See if any ring a bell for you or someone you care about:-

If that scene sounds familiar you could be riding the anxiety roller-coaster – and you’re hardly alone. Roughly one in six Australians meet criteria for an anxiety disorder, yet men are far less likely to reach out for help than women. Left unchecked, anxiety can hijack your sleep, relationships, motivation – and, ironically, beer-o’clock.

Good news: anxiety is highly treatable – you just need solid information and tools that ﬁt a bloke’s everyday life. First up, let’s bust the biggest myth.

Myth-buster: “Everyone worries – anxiety’s not a real thing.”

Reality check: Ordinary worry is like a single mozzie buzzing around your bedroom – annoying, but you’ll eventually get some shut-eye. An anxiety disorder is a leaf-blower ﬁring up at 2 a.m.; no matter how hard you roll over, you’re not sleeping until someone turns the thing oﬀ.

Fact flash: Run-away anxiety sits among the top five causes of non-fatal diseases, according to a study published by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. That’s way more than a pesky mozzie.

Take-home: If that inner leaf-blower’s been roaring for weeks or months, it may be time for tried-and-tested tools – and, if needed, a chat with a qualified professional (hi, that’s me!) to turn the volume down.

Meet the butterflies: what anxiety does in your body

Brain – The default-mode network flips to “threat scan”, replaying disasters on loop.
Heart & lungs – Engine revs, breathing shallows.
Stomach – Blood rushes to your muscles – cue the upside-down stomach and nausea.
Hands – Adrenaline shakes, sweaty grip (annoying at the golf tee).

So, why is my body and mind doing this?

Your anxiety system is like a car alarm. When it’s tuned right, it stays silent until someone tries to open the door; but when it’s oversensitive, a pigeon on the bonnet can set it screaming. Therapy simply re-calibrates the dial so it only goes off when it should.

Why blokes often miss the early warning lights

The “She’ll-be-right” reflex – Clubhouse rules: push through, don’t complain. Great for broken fingernails; unhelpful for chronic adrenaline surges.
Body first, feelings later – Men often notice headaches, reflux or chest tightness long before the word anxiety crosses their mind.
Stigma & eye-roll factor – Admitting fear can feel like handing in your man-card. Research shows social norms around masculinity are a major barrier to help-seeking – but the tide is turning, and that’s a good thing.
Quick fixes – Beer, substances, double espressos, late-night gaming: quick ﬁxes that can rebound hard as 'hang-xiety'.

When to call in professional back-up

Heightened anxiety sticks around > 6 months and gets in the way of work, sleep or relationships.
Panic attacks, angry outbursts, or leaning on substances/alcohol just to cope.
You feel wired or on edge most days.

What therapy with me looks like

Effective men’s anxiety treatment tackles both overthinking and the physical adrenaline dump – so you’re calm at work and on the footy ﬁeld.

Collaborative goals – You’re the expert on you; I bring evidence-based CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) and ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy). We’ll unpack both jargon-free in session.
Practical skills – Expect tools you can test at the office, gym or during bedtime worry- loops.
Straight talk, zero psychobabble – Think game plan, not group hug.

Pub-table takeaway

If anxiety’s been shouting over your life’s soundtrack, give us a ring. We’ll help you turn the volume down.

How to make an appointment

Call 0424 656 023 or complete an enquiry through our website www.brookvalepsychology.com.au/contact

About the author

James Wightman works with adults and teens across Sydney’s Northern Beaches to tame anxiety with evidence-based CBT and ACT (and a healthy dose of straight talk).

www.brookvalepsychology.com.au/james-wightman

References

Australian Bureau of Statistics. National Study of Mental Health & Wellbeing 2020-22
Australian Bureau of Statistics
Beyond Blue. Men’s Mental Health – Why Stigma Matters Beyond Blue
Australian Institute of Health & Welfare. Australian Burden of Disease Study 2024
AIHW