To honour Movember, otherwise known as Men’s Health Month, I interviewed three men of different ages and professions to understand their experiences with mental health.
According to the Canadian Men’s Health Foundation, at least half of men in Canada do not have a solid social support network. About a quarter of the men surveyed are at risk of moderate depression, and over 60% reported high levels of stress.
What’s worse is that these numbers are increasing by about 4% compared to a similar survey done last year!
Furthermore, the Mental Health Commission of Canada also states that around 75% of suicide deaths each year are men. Suicide attempts are ten times more common in Inuit males, compared to non-indigenous males, and queer men are 6 times as likely to think about/plan suicide.
So, why are these stats so high, and what can we do about them?
These interviews were conducted via email, on November 18, 2025. The individuals chose to exclude their names.
Why do Less Men Than Women Seek Mental Health Treatment?
This is a nuanced and complicated question. However, one critically important factor is the societal pressures placed on males. There is an expectation for them to be “strong” and “unemotional” beings. According to a study done by the National Institute of Mental Health, of those experiencing mental illness of any kind, around 57% of women and only 40% of men sought treatment.
Let’s gain some perspective from the interviewees on why this may be.
A recent kinesiologist graduate said: I think men are less likely to seek out mental health treatment due to the stigma that surrounds it. Growing up, as a boy, you are always taught to “tough it out” or “shake it off,” this gives a fogginess to seeking help and [it’s tough to decide] if your problem is actually a problem or a “shake it off” problem. Society has made it so that males are supposed to be strong, independent, and emotionless beings and to be seeking out help, goes against this sense of what is to be a strong man. […] On top of all that, a cry for help may feel like you are attention seeking and more people may get involved than you are comfortable with.
Another response, from a 57-year-old pilot, was: Because mental health treatment is [largely] based (…) on a female model. Additionally, [most of the] psychological community is now dominated by women and the way they think. (…). [I find it hard] to trust them.
Finally, an army veteran gave his response: [There are three reasons]. Assumptions that men are supposed to just put up with it, perceived lack of access (programs for women in media), [and being] too busy.
What Are Some Risk Factors for Developing Mental Illness?
Factors such as being part of a marginalized group, drinking/drug use, recent breakups or trauma can all exacerbate underlying problems.
Here’s what the interviewed men thought about this subject:
Kinesiology Graduate: I feel that the biggest risk factor for men to develop mental illnesses is isolating themselves from others instead of talking (…) about what might be bothering them (…). Spiraling [into] depression, allowing one bad day or even minute compound onto the next, and then the next, and so on. (…) The inability to move on from those moments is a huge risk factor that plays a part in the ‘downward’ spiral of mental illness.
Pilot: This culture has taken away anything of value men have to offer. We used to provide, protect, shelter, and lead. We aren’t allowed to do any of that anymore. The current culture [provides no] community or place for men to do what they do best. We are mocked constantly in the mainstream media (…). Simply existing in this (…) culture [is a big risk factor].
Army Veteran: Traditionally, [the] “men don’t cry attitude.” [In the] modern context, disenfranchisement from culture/loneliness.
How Can We Reduce the Stigma?
Raising awareness is always a good step towards desensitizing the population towards a particular issue. A conscious effort is required to help reframe masculinity, along with giving men space to discuss these issues.
Here’s what they said:
Kinesiology Graduate: Something that would help to stomp out the stigma around male mental health is the acceptance of someone who is going through mental health issues. [This means] treating them with no difference, even if you invite them to hang out and they say no, they most definitely still appreciate the invitation (…). It lets them know they are not alone and that there are still people out there who are thinking about them.
Pilot: [There’s not much to do]. Men are expected to perform. (…) To show weakness [feels like failing] at being a man. [I’ve noticed these pressures] do not come from men, [they] come from women. (…) If you want any hope of possibly attracting a mate and/or having any kind of career success, showing weakness of any kind must be avoided. And this includes mental health problems.”
Army Veteran: Stopping saying that there is a stigma around men’s mental health. The stigma is extrinsic. A lot of men are not big talkers and are not comfortable in group therapy. If those are the only treatments available, then not only are they suffering from a mental illness, but they are ‘failing’ at therapy. Creating spaces that are considerate of male communication styles that are ready to accept the significant negative feelings that may be involved [is] crucial to success.
What Can We Do to Make it Easier for Men to Talk to a Friend or Loved One About Mental Health?
The answer to this will change from person to person. This is where it’s vital to do one thing: ask.
Kinesiology Graduate: When someone brings up their mental health, do not just brush it off, do not ‘blow up’ the conversation. Just listen, ask questions about what was brought up, [but don’t pry further than that]. Keeping the conversation confidential is another key thing, if I were to tell my friends about my issues and battles, and they go and spread my issues to others (…), that [makes it difficult to] open myself up. Knowing that there is a sense of confidentiality to the conversation is a great feeling.
Pilot: (…) [Provide opportunities for men to] get together with their friends and do activities together. That’s what helps men’s mental health. (…) You want to help our mental health, [give us men-only spaces].
Army Veteran: Forthrightness, honesty and confidentiality. Honest inquiry and judgment-free reactions.
What Final Thoughts Should We Consider?
Kinesiology Graduate: Men’s mental health is not just one month a year; it’s a constant struggle for many. Reach out to your friends and family.
Pilot: We’ve known in our bones since we were little boys that the world values the average girl more than the average boy. [We often feel] expendable, disposable and now that the government has taken over every single provisioning function, we are superfluous (…). Men’s mental health as a consequence is awful, and we’re checking out at ever-increasing rates (…).
Army Veteran: It is very prevalent. 100% of my friends suffer from some form of mental health [issues] and all have had a crisis requiring hospitalization or inpatient therapy. A lot of men, and especially veterans, do not “fit in” anymore. They struggle to remain relevant in an increasingly online and tech-driven world. Feeling useless, or rather not useful, is not compatible with good mental health.
Disclaimer: Edited for clarity
These insightful answers demonstrate the need for more specialized mental health support. They shed light on the messages instilled at an early age, which contribute to worsening mental states. We must advocate for more representation, conscious change in the narrative, and funding for therapeutic measures geared towards men.
Our counsellors are well-versed in these issues, and are ready to help. Reach out here to schedule an appointment.
If you need immediate mental health assistance, please call:
9-8-8: The Canadian Suicide Hotline
9-1-1: For medical emergencies
