Men’s Mental Health

When discussing mental health the research typically focuses on women as opposed to men. One of the key factors contributing to this lies with our societal belief that men have to be tough and strong. This belief that emotions and vulnerability are considered a weakness creates a barrier for men who struggle with mental health, as it is often not socially acceptable for them to reach out for support.

Stats in Canada (retrieved from Homewood Health)

• 10% of men experience significant mental health challenges in their life

• Approximately one million men suffer from major depression each year

• Approximately 4,000 Canadian’s take their own life each year, of those suicides 75% are men

• Canadian Indigenous men have a suicide rate that is double

• Inuit men being 11 times the national average 

• Gay men have a higher rate of depression, anxiety, suicidality, self-harm, and substance abuse in comparison to their heterosexual counterparts  

How to Support Men’s Mental Health

• Educate yourself and become better informed

• Ask what you can do

• Be there to listen 

• Guide the person to appropriate supports

• Challenge the stigma

As a society we can work together to challenge specific conditioning around men’s mental health and encourage more individuals to discuss their challenges openly. When we challenge the societal norm, we challenge the stigma around men’s mental health and the idea that vulnerabilities are a weakness.