Why We Need to Talk About Men’s Mental Health
Art by Kalie Yang
*Please note: men/male includes cis, gay, bi-sexual, trans, non-binary, 2spirit, queer, gender fluid+ individuals.
*TW: mentions of suicide.
Lesser known facts about Men’s Mental Health
Common mental health stressors
Barrier to seeking medical help
Warning signs to watch out for in men
“We have inculcated a culture in our society that men have to be tough, men have to be strong. Our society is very good at punishing gender deviation in men. Weakness is not considered to be masculine” says Dr. Don McCreary, co-chair of TMHN, and associate editor of the International Journal of Men’s Health.
Many men do not believe that they can be susceptible to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Due to the traditional beliefs of masculinity, there is a general lack of awareness about men’s mental health issues. Men play different roles such as father, brother and partner and recognizing these roles would help to understand their mindset when they experience emotionally difficult situations and begin to socially isolate themselves.
Lesser known facts about Men’s Mental Health
Approximately one million Canadian men suffer from depression each year
75% of the 4,000 Canadians who take their own life each year are men.
Canadian Indigenous men have a suicide rate that is double that of the Canadian national average.
Gay men have a higher rate of depression, anxiety, suicide, self-harm, and substance abuse in comparison to their heterosexual men.
Common mental health stressors
Society and cultural standards that pressurize men to embrace the traditional gender roles have a negative effect on mental health. Misleading beliefs such as ‘men need to be the breadwinners’ or ‘mendisplay stereotypical masculine traits such as muscular body’ or ‘men are not allowed to be emotional’ are detrimental to their mental health. Holding on to these traditional beliefs can negatively impact men’s mental health and keep them from accessing support and treatment.
1) Difficult childhood experience
Research indicates that boys and girls tend to respond differently to child abuse. Boys who are sexually or physically abused are more likely to display behaviors that may be less easy to classify psychiatrically, including disruptive behaviors, school dropout, and drinking. In fact, men have higher rates of substance use disorders than women. Such behaviors are often considered as ‘character’ issues rather than mental health issues. Hence, they are often referred to as social problems and not mental health problems.
Disruptive behaviors are labeled as ‘character’ issues rather than mental health issues.
2) Unemployment issues
Unemployment can have a major impact on our mental health, especially men. A research study conducted in Spain found that unemployment has a greater impact on the mental health of men in comparison to women. As dictated by society for centuries, men are expected to be the breadwinners and base their self-worth, self-esteem, and self-identity on the success of their career. But unemployment among men can rupture this age-old traditional role which can lead to significant mental stress.
Socioeconomic status plays an important role in mental health
3) Family issues
Divorce is the sixth most stressful event in a man’s life. According to the data provided by the Department of Justice Canada only 6.6% of divorced fathers got exclusive custody of their children and 12.8% got shared physical custody. Loss of custody and a negative experience in family court are two of the most stressful factors for men and might result in both substance abuse and suicide. However, it is important to note that divorce is not the only factor that leads to depression but can be a part of various other factors such as unemployment and changes in income which can increase a person’s risk of experiencing depression.
Loss of custody and a negative experience in family court are two of the most stressful factors for men
4) Sexual and Gender minority men
Gay men are three times more likely to have depression and anxiety. A 2012 research study on “Suicide related ideation and behavior among Canadian gay and bisexual men” found that lifetime experience of suicide related ideation and behavior was reported by 49.9 % respondents which is six times higher than reported behavior of Canadian heterosexual men. While lack of access to medical resources is a problem, homophobia is also a barrier to receiving culturally competent medical care.
Gay men are three times more likely to have depression and anxiety
5) Armed Forces and Veteran mental health
According to a 2018 survey conducted by Statistics Canada, in collaboration with CAF, Veterans Affairs Canada, and the University of Manitoba, more than 4 in 10 CAF members had experienced symptoms consistent with depression or an anxiety disorder and one-quarter of veterans experienced symptoms consistent with both. Since 2002, CAF members from those who became veterans in 2002 and onwards, reported higher rates of mental disorders, compared to those who were still in the Forces in 2018. 38% of male veterans reported symptoms consistent with at least one anxiety disorder. Depression is defined as a period of two weeks or more with persistent depressed mood or loss of interest in normal activities, while anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and social phobia.
Note by Statistics Canada: It is important to note that differences in the characteristics of veterans, such as age, could be a factor in the 2018 survey results. These results do not necessarily imply that veterans left CAF because of mental disorders and should not be interpreted as pointing to a causal relationship.
38% of male veterans reported symptoms consistent with at least one anxiety disorder
Major barrier to seeking help
Mental Health Consultation rates in men are consistently lower than in women since gender norms result in implicit bias among medical professionals who might be less likely to probe for emotional or psychological suffering in men. A Toronto based qualitative research study conducted in 2005 found that dismissive and intolerant attitudes of health care providers were implicated in suicidal men’s decision to use alcohol, drugs, and sex in response to mental health issues rather than utilizing formal medical services.
Warning signs
According to National Institute of Mental Health some of the warning signs to watch out for in men and women are:
Anger, irritability, or aggressiveness
Noticeable changes in mood, energy level, or appetite
Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
Difficulty concentrating, feeling restless, or on edge
Increased worry or feeling stressed
Misuse of alcohol and/or drugs
Sadness or hopelessness
Suicidal thoughts
Feeling flat or having trouble feeling positive emotions
Engaging in high-risk activities
Aches, headaches, digestive problems without a clear cause
Obsessive thinking or compulsive behavior
Thoughts or behaviors that interfere with work, family, or social life
Unusual thinking or behaviors that concern other people
If you're in immediate danger or need urgent medical support, call 911. If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call Talk Suicide Canada at 1-833-456-4566. Support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For residents of Quebec, call 1-866-277-3553 (24/7) or visit suicide.ca/en
Mental Health Society of Greater Victoria offers peer-to-peer guidance for people navigating the local mental health system. With our support phone calls, we can help you find an appropriate service and support you throughout the process.
We need to raise more awareness regarding men’s mental health and how they can seek help to improve their well-being. Creating a safe space for men in today’s society would allow them to heal and reduce the stigma around men’s mental health.
Resources recommended by Government of Canada
1) Crisis Center BC - Both of the 310-6789 and 1-800-SUICIDE: 1-800-784-2433 phone lines are available in over 140 languages using a language service.
Chat service
· Online Chat Service for Youth: www.YouthInBC.com (Noon to 1am)
· Online Chat Service for Adults: www.CrisisCentreChat.ca (Noon to 1am)
2) HeadsUpGuys is dedicated to supporting men living with depression and provides information and practical tips that help manage depression. You can find articles, resources, and stories of lived experiences on their website.
3) BuddyUp a suicide prevention campaign launched by the Centre for Suicide Prevention. The toolkit highlights suicide statistics, warning signs, and risk factors, and also insights into how suicide can be prevented in men and what men can do for themselves and each other.
4) Resources for Canadian Armed Forces and DND Public Service Employees are listed here to improve their well-being or be aware of the resources available.
5) Goodhead.ca is a mental health resource for Gay, Bisexual, Queer communities where they can get information on mental health care services and other resources.
6) Lesbian, Gay, Bi & Trans Youthline – The Lesbian, Gay, Bi & Trans Youthline offers free peer support for youth aged 26 and under (1-800-268-9688).
7) Parents, Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) – PFLAG (www.pflagcanada.ca) is a resource for LGBT people and their families.
8) Registered.counselling is a registered clinical counselling with a focus on anxiety, stress, relationships, burnout and ADHD assessments with recommendations.
9) Additional resources to learn about men’s mental health can be accessed through Homewood Health and Just for You.
Mental Health Society of Greater Victoria aims to foster a community that speaks openly about mental health. For more content related to mental health, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.