S1, Ep11: The Meaning of Anxiety (ft Movember) | Male Anxiety, Masculinity Pressure & Mental Wellbeing

Is anxiety in men being fundamentally misunderstood? Men often experience anxiety differently, and this can make it harder to recognise and address.

In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Dr Krista Fisher, research fellow at Movember, about men’s mental health, anxiety, and masculinity. Krista shares insights from her research showing that men frequently express anxiety through physical symptoms, behaviour changes, and stress responses rather than emotional cues, and how societal expectations about masculinity can prevent men from seeking help.

In this episode you will learn:

• How anxiety manifests differently in men compared with women

• Why cultural and societal pressures can make men reluctant to seek help

• The physical, emotional, and behavioural signs of male anxiety

• Practical strategies for recognising anxiety early and taking proactive steps

• How to support men in developing resilience, emotional awareness, and mental wellbeing

This conversation is essential for anyone interested in men’s mental health, anxiety, emotional resilience, masculinity, and wellbeing, offering research-backed insights and actionable guidance for understanding and managing anxiety in men.