Wonderful article highlighting the real physical impact from our brains. The ‘fear’ may not be ‘real’ but the fight or flight feeling is. Thanks Krista
Thanks for your article. I have worked with hundreds of anxious men, both young and old, over the course of my clinical career. Many of them went to the emergency department thinking the pain in the chest was something more sinister. Some have felt 'silly' for going. I have always praised them for their willingness to seek help. I then take the time to explain the physical nature of anxiety, and that it is a very real thing. The psycho-education component at the beginning stages of treatment can be very therapeutically powerful on it's own.
Powerful reflections James - thank you! I agree with you. What became clear to me from reviewing 600+ paramedic notes was that many young men's symptoms were distressing, scary and felt just as real as a physical condition - some genuinely thought they were dying or having a heart attack. Yet finding out its just anxiety risks minimising these experiences and leaves young men feeling embarrassed and shameful when the appropriate psycho-education isn't provided. What's concerning is to think of the repercussions down the line if young men opt for suppressing their distress because they don’t want to be dismissed or a burden.
While an immediate response is undoubtedly necessary for many young men experiencing distressing anxiety symptoms - we need to find ways to accurately identify anxiety and redirect these individuals away from paramedic services and toward tailored interventions that offer appropriate education and support. More importantly, we should prioritise early intervention to prevent symptoms from escalating to the point of requiring emergency care in the first place.
Yes you are spot on in saying "Yet finding out its just anxiety risks minimizing these experiences". The response of paramedics (or ED staff) can be critical. Directing them to their GP for followup and referral to a Psychologist would be the most helpful outcome.
PS I am new to substack and so glad to see Movember sharing their research findings this way!
Wonderful article highlighting the real physical impact from our brains. The ‘fear’ may not be ‘real’ but the fight or flight feeling is. Thanks Krista
Love that point - and what's 'real' is the very debilitating impact it can have on men's lives. Thanks Gavin
Thanks for your article. I have worked with hundreds of anxious men, both young and old, over the course of my clinical career. Many of them went to the emergency department thinking the pain in the chest was something more sinister. Some have felt 'silly' for going. I have always praised them for their willingness to seek help. I then take the time to explain the physical nature of anxiety, and that it is a very real thing. The psycho-education component at the beginning stages of treatment can be very therapeutically powerful on it's own.
Powerful reflections James - thank you! I agree with you. What became clear to me from reviewing 600+ paramedic notes was that many young men's symptoms were distressing, scary and felt just as real as a physical condition - some genuinely thought they were dying or having a heart attack. Yet finding out its just anxiety risks minimising these experiences and leaves young men feeling embarrassed and shameful when the appropriate psycho-education isn't provided. What's concerning is to think of the repercussions down the line if young men opt for suppressing their distress because they don’t want to be dismissed or a burden.
While an immediate response is undoubtedly necessary for many young men experiencing distressing anxiety symptoms - we need to find ways to accurately identify anxiety and redirect these individuals away from paramedic services and toward tailored interventions that offer appropriate education and support. More importantly, we should prioritise early intervention to prevent symptoms from escalating to the point of requiring emergency care in the first place.
Yes you are spot on in saying "Yet finding out its just anxiety risks minimizing these experiences". The response of paramedics (or ED staff) can be critical. Directing them to their GP for followup and referral to a Psychologist would be the most helpful outcome.
PS I am new to substack and so glad to see Movember sharing their research findings this way!