A new study reveals that men suffer from anxiety more than ever before. Ahead of Blue Monday, anxiety levels in the UK have surged over the past few years, with men suffering from anxiety more than ever, according to a new Bupa survey.
Bupa study results*:
- 13x increase in searches for “anxiety symptoms in men”
- Searches for “anxiety symptoms in women” increased 6x
*Based on Google search analytics in the UK from August 2020 to August 2022 – see full findings here.
Given the amount of uncertainty we’re dealing with these days, it’s no surprise that many of us are feeling anxious. However, the sharp increase in searches for “male anxiety symptoms” may suggest that men are becoming more open to the idea of seeking information and support.
Dr. Pablo Vandenabeele, Clinical Lead for Mental Health at Bupa Insurance, commented:
“Historically, anxiety has been viewed as a condition that affects women more. While women still have higher search volumes for anxiety than men, ‘anxiety symptoms in men’ have increased significantly over the past two years. increase.
Our research highlights a growing public curiosity to learn more about our emotions. You can expect these increases in searches to be reflected in both genders. This probably suggests that more people are taking their mental health seriously and wanting to take the first steps towards getting and staying healthy.
Our claims data reflects this, with a 40% increase in claims for mental health issues between 2019 and 2021, driven by strong demand for treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy.
Accepting that you are struggling is the first step to managing anxiety, regardless of gender. Mental health can be debilitating when people do not have early and direct access to appropriate care and treatment, and early diagnosis has been proven to lead to better outcomes.
Remember, it’s always OK to ask for help. Proper technique and assistance can help prevent future damage to mental and physical health. “
3 Tips for Managing Anxiety, According to Dr. Pablo Vandenavir
Anxiety may be a normal feeling, but knowing how to deal with and overcome it before it becomes debilitating is critical to keeping you healthy and active. Follow three principles.
1. Stay away from unhealthy coping mechanisms
Turning to chunky foods and alcohol may seem like the most appealing way to ease anxiety, but it doesn’t help in the long run. , make the following non-negotiable:
- Get outside for 15 minutes every day.
- Limit caffeine – This means minimizing your intake of tea, coffee, chocolate, and energy drinks.
- Aim for 5 servings per day and drink plenty of water.
- Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night.
2. Ensure self-help methods
Knowing which self-help techniques work for you can help reduce anxious thoughts and keep you from feeling overwhelmed. Try the following and see if it helps you calm down.
- Meditation, Mindfulness, Worry Tree.
- Read a trusted self-help book (try Reading Well to find titles for managing your health and well-being).
- Don’t suppress your feelings. Sharing with someone you trust (a friend, family member, or health care professional) can help you feel understood.
- Find Free Anxiety Help – Bupa’s Mental Health Hub, Samaritans, and Mind are all filled with resources to help you process your emotions.
3. If you need additional help, look for it early
Sometimes, even after taking care of yourself and using self-help methods, you may find that your anxiety still plagues you or makes your daily life more difficult. Please consult an expert. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help – and your health insurance company or GP I may be able to refer you.
If you are suffering, the sooner you see a medical professional, the better your treatment outcome is likely to be. You can immediately consult a mental health professional. GP.
Mental health issues can be more difficult to treat the longer they last, so don’t delay seeking support.
Bupa was founded on April 3, 1947. The founding purpose of “to prevent, alleviate and cure all kinds of diseases and ailments” was enshrined in the original constitution, combining a compassionate spirit with freedom of choice.
