I suffer from anxiety. Sometimes it's severe, other times it's just a nuisance to be dealt with. But it's always there in the background. This is a topic that a lot of men don't like to discuss. It evokes a feeling of weakness in men. Even though times have changed, it's still taboo for most men to talk about mental health. I have a difficult time talking about it myself. Guys don't sit around and discuss their feelings. We'll discuss our physical ailments but when it comes to mental ailments, it's a no go topic. It's one of the things that separates us from the fairer sex. My level of anxiety has seemingly increased as I age. Maybe it was always at the same level but as a child we don't really have an understanding of anxiety and it's easier to tough it out. As an adult it isn't so easy. Sometimes my anxiety will reach the point where I don't feel comfortable being out in public. It's a truly awful feeling especially since I enjoy being out of the house. I now take prescription medication for my anxiety which has really turned my life around for the better. It's just the first step towards living with it. Because there isn't a cure for anxiety. Not in the traditional sense anyway. People who are not affected by anxiety will just tell us to face our fears, but that's much easier said than done. It would be like telling a person with no legs to run a marathon. Basically impossible. Living with anxiety can often lead to other mental health issues. For instance, if you never leave your house to visit with friends and family you may become depressed. This can lead to an entire host of other issues. Even though I am on medication I still have to confront my anxious thoughts on a daily basis. But one of the differences is that I now just shrug those worries off and learn to let things happen. Returning to the topic of mental health in general, there has been a push over the past few years to have men discuss their mental health. Various websites have popped up devoted solely to male mental health. It's no longer a taboo subject in the male parlor. Having anxiety or another issue does not make you weak. What makes you weak is failing to address it and talk about it. It's amazing when you find out that you're not alone, that there are others out there like you. It can make you feel more normal. Major life changes can often trigger our internal anxiety. Getting marries, having children, changing jobs etc. I have been through all three of these things and I was definitely triggered. Having kids brings about all new types of anxiety! Now I worry for myself and my family. Guys, don't wait until you are really bad off to address your anxiety or other mental health issues. You're not weak if you do. It will make you a better man and you'll thanks yourself for doing it.
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