“"Anxiety is one of those final taboo subjects for the modern man, as I know about from a personal perspective, because my own father suffered from terrible anxiety at times. My findings suggest that anxiety may remain hidden not simply because young men are unwilling to talk – many times, they are more than open to this – but because they lack the shared language, confidence and supportive environments needed to express what they are experiencing. There needs to be a greater focus on emotional literacy, earlier identification of anxiety, and improved awareness of support services could help young men access help sooner. While my findings are based on a small, exploratory sample and should be interpreted with caution, the research highlights the need for further study into how young men understand, communicate and seek support for anxiety across a wider range of cultural and social backgrounds."
Young Men's Anxiety Hidden by Silence and Stigma, Research Finds
University of Northampton study highlights lack of emotional language and support as key barriers for men aged 19-24.
By Aisha Mahmood
••2 min read
University of Northampton
Research by Dr Audrey Orage at the University of Northampton has revealed that young men aged 19-24 often hide their anxiety due to social expectations, limited emotional vocabulary, and fears of judgment.
Social expectations, a limited emotional vocabulary, and barriers to support can prevent young men from recognising, discussing, and seeking help for anxiety. This was highlighted in professional doctorate research conducted by Dr Audrey Orage, a therapist.
Dr Orage observed similar patterns in young men seeking therapy for anxiety. Her research involved interviewing men aged 19-24 in the UK via online focus groups. She found that anxiety was often concealed behind silence, self-management strategies, and concerns about being judged.
Participants described feeling that anxiety was incompatible with traditional ideas of masculinity, leading many to suppress or conceal their distress. The analysis identified three connected themes: the silencing of men’s anxiety, gaps in emotional literacy, and stigma-related barriers to seeking help.
The study also found that participants struggled to find the language to describe their experiences, often using informal terms not always understood by adults or professionals. They also expressed uncertainty about available support services and concerns that their difficulties would not be taken seriously.
Dr Orage's full research paper is available online, and further information about the University of Northampton's Doctor of Professional Practice in Health and Social Care qualification can also be found.
Based on information from the official source: University of Northampton (02/11/2026)
