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Facing Manxiety: Real Talk for Men’s Mental Health

At Kalms, we’ve spent years supporting people through life’s ups and downs - from everyday stress to those heavier moments of worry and while the conversation around mental health is improving, there’s still a long way to go - especially when it comes to men.

Even though women are almost twice as likely as men to be affected with anxiety disorders,i in 2023 men were three times more likely to die by suicide than women in England.ii This isn’t just a statistic - it’s a sign of something deeper. Many men still suffer in silence, shaped by societal expectations to “just get on with it.” In fact, a survey of 1000 men in the UK found that 40% of men have never spoken to anyone about their mental health.iii


What is manxiety?


Manxiety is the quiet, often hidden anxiety that many men feel as they juggle work, relationships, finances, and the constant pressure to stay strong. It’s anxiety that goes unspoken and often unnoticed.

Anxiety is a feeling of fear, worry, or unease. While it often occurs as a reaction to stress, it can also arise without a clear or obvious trigger.iv
 

Strategies to manage manxiety


While anxiety can feel overwhelming, there are practical tools that can help. Here are some simple but effective ways to manage symptoms of anxiety and take care of your mental wellbeing:
 

  1. Talk to someone you trust: Sharing your feelings with family and friends can be a powerful way to alleviate anxiety. Start small - talk to just one trusted person. Opening up doesn’t have to be a big step; even a simple “I’ve been feeling off lately” can begin the conversation and make it easier to speak up again next time.
     
  2. Be kind to yourself: Talk yourself through stressful situations and try to replace negative thoughts with rational, positive ones. Keep a gratitude journal, noting three things you're thankful for each day, to shift your focus from stress to appreciation.
     
  3. Maintain a balanced diet: Choosing the right foods can help your body manage stress more effectively and avoiding excessive caffeine and sugar can also prevent anxiety spikes throughout the day.
     
  4. Get moving: Exercise isn’t just for the body, it can be powerful for your mind too. Try walking, cycling, or hitting the gym. Find activities that you enjoy and aim to incorporate them into your weekly routine.  
     
  5. Spend time in nature: Green spaces help calm your nervous system and create a sense of peace. A short walk outside in green spaces can help to calm the mind.
     
  6. Try guided meditation: Meditation doesn’t have to be complicated. Free apps and videos offer short, guided sessions that help you breathe, slow down and find calm.
     
  7. Prioritise Quality Sleep: Set a consistent bedtime, reduce screen use at night and create a calming routine that helps you wind down.
     
  8. Seek professional advice: If these feelings are persistent and affecting your daily life, speak to your GP for support and guidance on the best treatment options. For further information and resources, visit: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/feelings-symptoms-behaviours/feelings-and-symptoms/anxiety-fear-panic/


Incorporating these strategies into your daily routine can help to reduce anxiety and promote mental well-being. Remember that consistency is key and seeking professional help when needed is a sign of strength, not weakness.
 

How Kalms could help
 

  • Herbal remedies have been traditionally used for symptoms of anxiety and stress.
  • Kalms Day contains valerian root and is traditionally used to temporarily relieve symptoms associated with stress such as mild anxiety. It is derived from the roots of the Valeriana officinalis plant, native to Europe and Asia.
  • Kalms Lavender contains lavender oil which has traditionally been used to temporarily ease mild symptoms of anxiety and it has a long-standing association with relaxation. Comes in a convenient one-a-day soft capsule, for use during challenging times.


For more information on the Kalms range, click here.
 

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i Remes O, Brayne C, van der Linde R, Lafortune L. A systematic review of reviews on the prevalence of anxiety disorders in adult populations [Internet]. Vol. 6, Brain and Behavior. 2016 [cited 2016 Dec 2]. p. e00497. Available from: doi.wiley.com

ii Suicides in England (2023) Samaritans. Available at: https://media.samaritans.org/documents/Samaritans_-_Suicide_Stats_England_2023.pdf 

iii Men's mental health: 40% of men won’t talk to anyone about their mental health (2022) Priory. Available at: https://www.priorygroup.com/blog/40-of-men-wont-talk-to-anyone-about-their-mental-health 

iv Anxiety disorders (2024) Rethink Mental Health. Available at: https://www.rethink.org/advice-and-information/about-mental-illness/mental-health-conditions/anxiety-disorders/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20034919645&gclid=Cj0KCQjwgIXCBhDBARIsAELC9ZgK-CapF93Ehzz3iycIjRgcbzz6ntHibNcrgOjHdrUheQH_NgtR6VMaAjE8EALw_wcB 

Posted by Emily Garfield
24th June 2025

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