Overview

• Paramedic note analysis of 694 Victorian men aged 15–25 shows anxiety now accounts for 10% of male mental health ambulance attendances
• Researchers identified three common presentations: sudden intense bodily symptoms mimicking heart attacks, substance-triggered anxiety episodes and self-harm or suicidal crises linked to stressors
• Societal norms around masculinity leave many young men hiding symptoms until they escalate into emergencies
• Paramedics report feeling underprepared for anxiety callouts, with support often limited to reassurance and breathing techniques
• Experts urge awareness campaigns, clinician training and accessible early intervention pathways to reduce repeat crises